Monday, 15 December 2025
Monday, 15 December 2025
After Hyderabad steadied the tour, Mumbai showed how to host a GOAT without letting the evening slip out of hand.
On Sunday, Wankhede Stadium added another chapter to its long sporting history as Lionel Messi and Sachin Tendulkar shared the centre stage. Mumbai was the third stop of Messi’s four-city GOAT India Tour.
He spent close to an hour at the stadium, interacting with young footballers, Tendulkar, Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri and members of the film industry.
The stands stayed full through the programme, with chants of “Messi… Messi” rising repeatedly.
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the launch of Project Mahadeva, an initiative aimed at identifying and developing young football players across the state. Messi joined Fadnavis on stage for the launch.
Tendulkar described Messi’s presence as a moment that went beyond sport.
Drawing a parallel with India’s 2011 World Cup triumph at the same ground, he told the crowd, “I have spent some incredible moments here. As we call it, Mumbai is a city of dreams. And a number of dreams have seen the finish line here on this very venue. And without your support, we would never have seen those golden moments on this ground in 2011.”
“And today, having all three of them here is indeed a golden moment for Mumbai, Mumbaikars and India. The way you have received all three greats of the game has truly been remarkable,” he added, referring to Messi and his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul.
Speaking specifically about Messi, Tendulkar said, “When it comes to Leo, if I have to speak about his game, it wouldn't be the right platform. And you know, what does one talk about him? He has achieved everything. We really admire his dedication, determination, commitment. And above all, his humility, the person that he is. And on behalf of Mumbaikars and Indians, I would like to wish him and his family the very best of health and happiness to all of you. Thank you once again for being here and encouraging youngsters.”
Tendulkar also said he hoped “India also reaches the height that we all aspire to (in football).” He presented Messi with a No. 10 jersey signed by him. The Argentine World Cup-winning captain returned the gesture with a signed football.
Messi also handed his Argentina jersey to Sunil Chhetri, drawing loud applause. The programme included a short penalty shoot-out. Chhetri went first and missed. Messi followed and scored, prompting chants of “Visca Barca” from parts of the crowd.
De Paul sent a few balls into the stands and later joined youngsters from Project Mahadeva for a brief kickabout. Messi, De Paul and Suarez were also seen sharing a short rondo session on the turf.
Messi arrived in Mumbai around noon amid tight security arrangements, marking the second day of his India visit. He is scheduled to conclude the tour in New Delhi on Monday, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The calm at Wankhede stood out because the tour did not begin that way. Messi arrived in India early on Saturday, but the Kolkata leg later descended into chaos due to crowd management and security lapses.
Hyderabad, which followed, passed without incident. Mumbai carried that momentum forward.
