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Messi, Tendulkar, and Chhetri shared the spotlight at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, exchanging jerseys and inspiring young athletes. What surprises did the GOAT India Tour 2025 hold for fans this time?
Sachin Tendulkar gifted Lionel Messi with his India jersey
Mumbai: Wankhede Stadium witnessed a historic sporting spectacle on Sunday as football legend Lionel Messi took centre stage alongside cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar and Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri. Part of his GOAT India Tour 2025, Messi’s Mumbai visit brought together fans, young athletes, and celebrities for a celebration of sport, skill, and inspiration.
Messi spent nearly an hour at the stadium interacting with young footballers and officials. The stands remained packed throughout, with chants of “Messi… Messi” echoing repeatedly.
Fans witnessed a mix of football demonstrations, a short penalty shoot-out, and lighthearted interactions with Messi’s Inter Miami teammates, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched Project Mahadeva, aimed at identifying and nurturing young football talent in the state, with Messi joining him on stage for the initiative.
Legends inspire. Programs empower. ⚽
Jointly launched ‘Project Mahadeva’ in Mumbai today with legendary footballer Lionel Messi. Famed international footballers Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul were also in attendance, further adding to the historic atmosphere. It was indeed a… https://t.co/JVmBJTEY14
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) December 14, 2025
Reflecting on the occasion, Sachin Tendulkar described Messi’s visit as a historic moment that transcended sport. Drawing a parallel to India’s 2011 World Cup triumph at Wankhede, Tendulkar said, “Mumbai is a city of dreams. And today, having all three of them here is indeed a golden moment for the city and the country.”
He praised Messi’s dedication, humility, and achievements, adding, “On behalf of Mumbaikars and Indians, I wish him and his family the very best of health and happiness.”
Rahul Gandhi received special jersey from Messi in Hyderabad? Read here
The legendary footballer and cricket icon exchanged tokens of respect: Tendulkar gifted Messi a signed No. 10 World Cup jersey, while Messi returned the gesture with a signed football. Messi also presented his Argentina jersey to Sunil Chhetri, eliciting loud applause.
The programme featured a penalty shoot-out, a brief rondo session, and playful interactions with youngsters from Project Mahadeva. De Paul sent footballs into the stands, and Messi scored after Chhetri’s attempt, prompting chants of “Visca Barca” from fans.
Messi arrived in Mumbai around noon under tight security. Unlike the chaotic Kolkata leg, Mumbai successfully maintained calm and order, following Hyderabad’s smooth proceedings. The tour is set to conclude in New Delhi on Monday, where Messi is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
