New Delhi: The Wankhede Stadium witnessed a rare crossover of sporting greatness on Sunday as Lionel Messi and Sachin Tendulkar shared the spotlight at the Mumbai leg of Messi’s GOAT tour. The two icons from different worlds stood together at a venue steeped in Indian history, adding another memorable chapter to Indian sport. The atmosphere inside the stadium was electric with fans chanting Messi’s name throughout the programme.
Mumbai marked the third stop of Messi’s four-city GOAT India Tour, and the Argentine spent close to an hour at the Wankhede. During his visit, Messi interacted with young footballers, former Indian football great Sunil Chhetri and several celebrities from the entertainment industry. His presence alone was enough to lift the mood of the crowd, many of whom had gathered just to witness the iconic moment and No.10 connection.
No.10 exchange steals show
One of the most talked about moments of the Mumbai leg came when ‘Master Blaster’ presented Messi with a signed No.10 jersey from the 2011 World Cup. The gesture symbolised a meeting of legends across sports. The 2022 World Cup-winning captain responded by gifting Tendulkar a football linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, drawing loud cheers from the stands.
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
A meeting of two GOATs 🐐🐐
When Sachin Tendulkar meets Lionel Messi!
Cricket royalty meets football royalty. pic.twitter.com/DTFc5P63gb— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) December 14, 2025
Tendulkar on Messi’s India visit
Sachin Tendulkar described Messi’s visit as a “golden moment” for both Mumbai and the country. Speaking at the event, Tendulkar drew an emotional parallel between Messi’s presence and India’s 2011 Cricket World Cup triumph at Wankhede. He recalled how Wankhede has been the finishing line for countless dreams including his own and credited the fans for making those moments special.
Tendulkar also spoke warmly about Leo Messi‘s journey as he praised not just his achievements on the field but also his humility and dedication. He even expressed hope that “India also reaches the height that we all aspire to (in football).”
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also used the occasion to announce ‘Project Mahadeva’, an initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing young football talent across the state. The announcement tied neatly into the theme of inspiration and grassroots development that defined the evening. After Mumbai, he will conclude his visit in New Delhi, where he is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.