Messy’s GOAT Tour: Messi thrills Mumbai, meets Tendulkar and Chhetri, set to meet PM and CJI in Delhi

Lionel Messi

’s India tour has captured the nation’s imagination, combining sporting spectacle, celebrity encounters, and high-profile diplomatic meetings. From Wankhede Stadium to the political corridors of Delhi, the Argentine superstar has left an indelible mark.

Historic Night at Wankhede

On Sunday, Wankhede Stadium witnessed a rare gathering of legends as Messi shared the stage with cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar and football great Sunil Chhetri . The stadium erupted with chants of “Messi… Messi” alongside the familiar “Sachin… Sachin,” as fans celebrated the convergence of two sporting eras.

Messi, joined by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, interacted with fans, young footballers, and celebrities. He participated in a 7-a-side exhibition match featuring Indian internationals, including Rahul Bheke, Konsham Chinglensana, and women’s team star Bala Devi, alongside Chhetri. Messi also took laps around the stadium, kicked balls into the stands, and engaged with young players from Maharashtra’s newly launched Project Maha-Deva , aimed at nurturing football talent.

One of the defining moments came when Messi presented a signed Argentina jersey to Chhetri, while Tendulkar gifted Messi his iconic India No. 10 ODI jersey . Messi returned the gesture by giving Tendulkar a football, leading to thunderous applause from the crowd. The evening concluded with a symbolic gesture: Messi holding the Indian flag , Suarez waving Uruguay’s colours, and De Paul representing Argentina, delighting thousands of fans.

Fan and Celebrity Fervor

Bollywood stars such as Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff joined the celebrations, while the stands were alive with Argentina and Barcelona flags. Messi’s interactions with fans and young players highlighted the tour’s combination of sporting excellence and fan engagement, making it a memorable night for Mumbai.

Delhi Leg: Meetings with PM, CJI, and Army Chief

Today, Messi continues his tour in Delhi, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence. The visit is expected to include discussions about global football development and Messi’s experience at the FIFA World Cup.

Afterward, Messi will visit the residence of NCP leader and former AIFF president Praful Patel, where he will meet Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, and Argentina Ambassador Mariano Agustin Caucino, along with other senior officials.

Later, at Ferozshah Kotla Stadium, Messi will engage in a football clinic with 22 children, participate in a small celebrity match, exchange signed jerseys with Indian cricket stars, and take group photographs, concluding the tour on a high note.

A Tour to Inspire

Messi’s GOAT India Tour 2025 has combined fan frenzy, cultural celebration, and high-profile diplomacy. From Mumbai’s stadium roars to Delhi’s VVIP meetings, the tour has highlighted football’s growing influence in India and offered young athletes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage with a global icon.