Messi mesmerises Mumbai fans during GOAT India Tour at Wankhede

Lionel Messi thrilled fans at Wankhede Stadium during his GOAT India Tour 2025, spending an hour interacting with Sachin Tendulkar, celebrities and school kids. Tendulkar gifted him a signed India jersey, while Chief Minister Fadnavis launched Project Maha-deva

Mumbai: Lionel Messi came, saw, and conquered hearts — all in one hour. In a Messi-merising evening at the iconic Wankhede Stadium as part of his GOAT India Tour 2025, the Argentine legend interacted with cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, footballers, film stars, celebrities and politicians.

Messi spent exactly one hour at the stadium, unlike his brief 20-minute appearance in Kolkata that left fans disappointed and led to chaotic scenes. Mumbai was the third stop of his tour after Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata and Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal.

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Messi spoke to Tendulkar with the help of a translator. Tendulkar presented him a signed India jersey, pointing to the No.10 on the back — a number both legends shared. Tendulkar told the crowd that meeting Messi would remain one of his most memorable moments at Wankhede.

Fans chanted Messi’s name alongside Tendulkar and Luis Suarez, who, along with Rodrigo, is accompanying Messi on the tour. The crowd also raised chants of “Barca, Barca,” urging FC Barcelona to visit Mumbai.

On the occasion, Chief Minister Fadnavis launched Project Maha-deva, with Bollywood star Tiger Shroff as mentor and brand ambassador. The initiative aims to support young footballers in Maharashtra, with 16 players already selected in the first intake.

Messi arrived at Wankhede around 5.30 pm, later than scheduled, after attending a Padel programme at the Cricket Club of India. He joined midway through a Celebrity Football Match featuring India XI and Mitra XI, which included Sunil Chhetri, Rahul Bheke, Jayesh Rana, Ashutosh Mehta and Bala Devi.

Messi shook hands with players, posed for photos, took a lap of the stadium, and kicked footballs into the crowd as souvenirs. He also played with school kids from the Maha-deva project. Suarez and Rodrigo joined him during the lap.

Later, Messi was welcomed on stage by Fadnavis and his wife, and posed with Bollywood stars Tiger Shroff, Ajay Devgn and Dino Morea. After a long interaction with Tendulkar, Messi left for other city events, including a fashion show where signed jerseys are expected to be auctioned.

The Argentine captain is scheduled to depart for Delhi on Monday morning.