Legendary footballer Lionel Messi and cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar came together in a memorable interaction during Messi’s GOAT India Tour 2025 at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium on Sunday evening.
“When it comes to Leo, what does one talk about him? He has achieved everything. We really admire his dedication, determination and commitment,” Tendulkar said, praising the Argentine great.
Messi arrived at the stadium at 5.30 pm and spent a full hour engaging with fans, dignitaries, sportspersons and celebrities — a stark contrast to his brief and controversial 20-minute appearance in Kolkata that had left fans disappointed and led to chaotic scenes.
Mumbai marked the third stop of Messi’s India tour, following Kolkata and Hyderabad. At Wankhede, Messi interacted with Tendulkar through a translator, during which the Indian legend presented him with a signed India jersey. Tendulkar was seen pointing to the No. 10, a number both icons famously share.
The moment became electric as the crowd chanted the names of Messi, Tendulkar and Luis Suárez, who is accompanying Messi along with Rodrigo on the tour. Fans also broke into chants of “Barca, Barca,” urging FC Barcelona to visit Mumbai.
Messi arrived midway through a Celebrity Football Match between India XI and Mitra XI, featuring Indian football stars Sunil Chhetri, Rahul Bheke, Jayesh Rane, Ashutosh Mehta, and women’s team star Bala Devi.
The Argentine World Cup-winning captain is scheduled to depart for *lDelhi on Monday morning.
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