Football icon Lionel Messi received a hero’s welcome in Mumbai on Sunday as part of the much-anticipated ‘GOAT India Tour 2025’, creating a rare and emotional crossover moment between two sporting worlds. The Argentina captain’s arrival at the iconic Wankhede Stadium turned into a celebration of global sporting excellence, highlighted by his meeting with India’s most revered cricketer, Sachin Tendulkar.
For fans packed inside the stadium, it was a once-in-a-lifetime moment where football royalty met cricketing greatness. As the anchor introduced Messi to the crowd, the atmosphere was electric. The Wankhede faithful, known for their emotional connection with Tendulkar, first broke into synchronised chants of “Sachin… Sachin,” a sound that has echoed through the stadium for decades.
ALSO READ: Hardik Pandya Creates Historic Record, Becomes First Fast-Bowling All-Rounder to Achieve T20I Double
Moments later, the chants seamlessly shifted to “Messi… Messi,” symbolising the deep respect Indian fans hold for sporting legends across disciplines. Soon after, cameras captured a frame destined to become iconic, with Messi and Tendulkar standing side by side.
VIDEO | Maharashtra: Amid loud cheers, Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar gifts Argentine football icon Lionel Messi the 2011 World Cup jersey, calling it a golden moment for Mumbai and India.
(Source: Third Party)
(Full VIDEO available on PTI Videos –… pic.twitter.com/GKIqReBoqa
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 14, 2025
The mutual admiration between the two legends was evident during a heartfelt exchange. Tendulkar presented Messi with India’s No.10 jersey from the historic 2011 World Cup triumph, a gesture rich with emotion and legacy. Messi responded by gifting Tendulkar the FIFA World Cup ball from Argentina’s unforgettable 2022 victory, turning the moment into a powerful symbol of shared greatness across sports.
WATCH – Harshit Rana’s Fiery Powerplay Stuns South Africa As India Dominate Third T20I
Messi later walked onto the field alongside his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo de Paul, shortly after Tendulkar arrived at around 5:45 pm. Reflecting on the special evening, Tendulkar shared a light-hearted post on Instagram, calling it a “10/10 day” with Messi, a sentiment that resonated strongly with fans online.
View this post on Instagram
For a brief period, the deafening “Messi… Messi” chants overshadowed the traditional Wankhede roar for Tendulkar. However, when the Indian batting legend was invited to share the stage later in the evening, the familiar “Sachin… Sachin” chants returned at full volume, reminding everyone of his enduring bond with the venue. Addressing the crowd, Tendulkar spoke emotionally about his memories at Wankhede and praised Messi’s unparalleled achievements, calling the evening a “golden moment” for Mumbai and India.
Given Messi’s massive fan following, Mumbai Police implemented World Cup-level security, deploying over 2,000 personnel around Wankhede and Brabourne Stadiums. After security lapses disrupted the Kolkata leg of the tour, authorities ensured strict crowd control in Mumbai. The city’s arrangements paid off, with the event concluding smoothly, offering fans a memorable and well-managed celebration of sporting excellence.
