Mumbai: Lionel Messi-In a moment that united two of the world’s greatest sporting cultures, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar gifted his iconic 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup jersey to football superstar Lionel Messi during a special event at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. The emotional exchange took place on the second day of Messi’s three-day “GOAT India” tour, a visit that has captured the imagination of millions of sports fans across the country.
Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, arrived at the historic Wankhede Stadium at around 5:30 PM, where he was welcomed by roaring cheers from packed stands. Accompanied by Argentina teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, Messi proudly held both the Indian tricolour and the Argentine flag, symbolising a powerful bond between the two sporting nations.
A Meeting of Sporting Icons at Wankhede Stadium
The highlight of the evening came when Sachin Tendulkar personally presented Lionel Messi with a Team India jersey bearing Tendulkar’s name-the same jersey worn during India’s triumphant 2011 ODI World Cup campaign. The gesture marked a rare meeting between two global icons who have inspired generations across different sports.
Fans described the moment as “historic,” as it represented the mutual respect between cricket and football-two sports that dominate the hearts of billions worldwide.
Messi, visibly moved, thanked Tendulkar and acknowledged the legacy of Indian cricket. The exchange quickly went viral across social media platforms, with fans celebrating the coming together of two GOATs (Greatest of All Time).
Messi Engages With Fans, Children, and Celebrities
Beyond the ceremonial moments, Lionel Messi actively engaged with fans throughout the evening. He took part in a penalty shootout, walked around the pitch, and tossed footballs into the crowd, drawing thunderous applause. At one point, chants of “Barça! Barça!” echoed through the stadium, a tribute to Messi’s legendary years at FC Barcelona.
Messi also spent time playing football with children on the field, reinforcing his reputation as a humble global ambassador for the sport. His interaction with young fans was one of the most heartwarming moments of the event.
Later in the evening, Messi met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with several Bollywood stars, including actors Ajay Devgn and Kareena Kapoor. The gathering highlighted Messi’s cultural influence beyond football, bridging sports, politics, and entertainment.
Special Gesture for Sunil Chhetri
Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri also shared the spotlight during the Mumbai event. Earlier in the day, Chhetri participated in a friendly match at Wankhede Stadium alongside Indian stars and celebrity players. Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff was also seen playing in the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
When Lionel Messi arrived at the venue in the evening, he personally met Sunil Chhetri and presented him with a signed jersey and a commemorative memento. The exchange between the two football greats symbolised mutual admiration and respect, inspiring Indian football fans nationwide.
Padel Event and Massive Crowd Turnout
Before the stadium celebrations, Messi, Suárez, and De Paul participated in a padel event in Mumbai. From early afternoon, large crowds had already gathered around Wankhede Stadium, eager for a glimpse of the Argentine superstar.
Security was heightened, and organisers worked to manage the overwhelming enthusiasm of fans who had waited hours to see Lionel Messi in person. The atmosphere reflected Messi’s unmatched popularity in India, a country where football fandom continues to grow rapidly.
Hyderabad Visit and Meetings With Political Leaders
A day earlier, Lionel Messi visited Hyderabad, where he played football with children and interacted with local fans. During his time there, he met Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi.
Messi also virtually inaugurated a massive 70-foot statue of himself in Kolkata, a testament to his cult following in eastern India. However, his early departure from Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium reportedly upset some fans, leading to isolated incidents of unrest outside the venue.
Throughout the India tour, Messi has been accompanied by Argentina stars Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suárez, adding to the excitement surrounding the visit.
UNICEF Role and ‘GOAT India’ Tour Purpose
Lionel Messi’s India visit is part of his role as a global ambassador for UNICEF, the United Nations’ children’s organisation. The “GOAT India” tour aims to promote sports, youth development, and child welfare through football-related outreach programmes.
Messi’s itinerary includes visits to four major Indian cities, including Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. The tour combines public events, youth engagement, and high-level meetings with national leaders.
Meeting With Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 15
The tour is set to conclude on December 15, when Lionel Messi will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The meeting is expected to focus on sports development, youth empowerment, and the growing global influence of football in India.
Officials have described the visit as a landmark moment for Indian sports diplomacy, highlighting how global sporting icons can inspire cross-cultural connections and grassroots development.
A Landmark Moment for Indian Sports Fans
Lionel Messi’s India visit has left an indelible mark on fans across the country. From receiving Sachin Tendulkar’s World Cup jersey to honouring Sunil Chhetri, engaging with children, and meeting national leaders, Messi’s journey has blended emotion, inspiration, and celebration.
As images from Wankhede Stadium continue to circulate worldwide, the meeting of Lionel Messi and Sachin Tendulkar will be remembered as one of the most iconic cross-sport moments in modern history-a true celebration of greatness that transcended boundaries, languages, and games.
