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Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium hosted an unforgettable crossover of football, cricket, music, and culture as Lionel Messi met Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri and cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, gifting Chhetri his signed Argentina No. Ten jersey during the GOAT India Tour 2025.
Messi meets Sunil Chhetri and gifts his signed Argentina No. 10 jersey.
Mumbai: Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium witnessed a historic moment as Argentina football superstar Lionel Messi arrived in the city as part of his GOAT India Tour 2025. Fans filled the stadium to capacity, chanting Messi's name as anticipation built for a day blending sports, music, and entertainment. The excitement in the air reflected the rare convergence of cricket, football, Bollywood, and cultural performances in one spectacular event.
The event kicked off with DJ Chetas entertaining the crowd with a special music set featuring Bollywood and international hits. Songs included Ed Sheeran's 'Sapphire', K’Naan's 'Wavin’ Flag', the 2010 FIFA World Cup anthem, and B Praak's 'Teri Mitti'. Following the DJ performance, students presented vibrant cultural dance displays, adding a colorful layer to the festive atmosphere.
A friendly football match brought together Indian Stars and Mitra Stars, featuring Bollywood actors Tiger Shroff and Jim Sarbh alongside footballers Nikhil Poojari and Bala Devi. The Mitra Stars team included Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri and his Bengaluru FC teammates Rahul Bheke and Chinglensana Singh Konsham. The match highlighted the blend of sports and entertainment, drawing cheers from fans for each goal and play.
Messi in Mumbai: Tendulkar gifts his jersey; Argentine icon presents World Cup ball
The moment fans had been waiting for arrived as Messi entered the stadium with Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, greeted by deafening applause. The football legend spent quality time on the pitch, interacting with players, signing autographs, and passing the ball to grassroots girls footballers involved in the 'Project Mahadeva' initiative. The event created lasting memories for young athletes inspired by the global icon.
In a highlight of the evening, Messi gifted his signed Argentina No. Ten jersey to veteran striker Sunil Chhetri, a gesture that quickly went viral. Chhetri expressed heartfelt thanks, creating a historic crossover moment for Indian football. The interaction underscored Messi's impact on global football and his support for the sport in India.
Messi and his teammates were felicitated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also presented him with a special memento. The CM inaugurated Project Mahadeva alongside Messi, praising his role in inspiring young footballers. Actor Tiger Shroff participated in the initiative and met Messi, marking a football and Bollywood intersection, despite receiving mixed reactions from the crowd.
The event concluded with a historic moment as cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar presented a Team India jersey to Messi. The trio of Messi, Suarez, and De Paul joined Tendulkar for photographs, symbolizing a unique meeting of sports legends. Tendulkar praised Messi’s humility and dedication, highlighting the inspirational message his presence sends to young Indian athletes.
The crowd’s energy remained high throughout the evening, chanting the names of Messi and Tendulkar. The event showcased a rare convergence of cricket, football, entertainment, and culture, leaving fans with memories of a day where two sports legends united on Indian soil. Delhi will host the final stop of Messi’s GOAT India Tour on Monday.
