Lionel Messi in Mumbai: SRK, Sachin Tendulkar, CM Devendra Fadnavis & Wankhede Celebrate GOAT Tour

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The City of Dreams Shines: Mumbai Hosts Lionel Messi in Star-Studded Extravaganza

Mumbai: The third stop of the much-anticipated 'GOAT India Tour 2025' saw Argentine football legend Lionel Messi arrive in Mumbai on Sunday, December 14, 2025. The city's event proved to be a fitting blend of sports, Bollywood glamour, and high-profile charity, successfully capitalizing on the momentum generated by the smooth Hyderabad leg of the tour.

After the chaotic scenes in Kolkata and the successful management in Hyderabad, Mumbai was under pressure to deliver a world-class experience, and it did so with a packed schedule and tightened security.

Pictures of Lionel Messi in Mumbai, India: Sachin Tendulkar, CM Devendra Fadnavis, Kareena Kapoor Meet Messi

Football superstar Lionel Messi presented with a signed Indian Cricket team jersey with the iconic 'Tendulkar 10' by cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar at the Wankhede Stadium during the Mumbai stop of the 'GOAT India Tour 2025'.

Also pictured are (L-R):Luis Suárez (former FC Barcelona teammate), Lionel Messi, Sachin Tendulkar, Devendra Fadnavis (Maharashtra Chief Minister) and Rodrigo De Paul (Argentina World Cup winner)

Photo: Cricketing icon Sachin Tendulkar meets Lionel Messi at the Wankhede Stadium.

The GOAT and the God of Cricket: Lionel Messi Presents Sachin Tendulkar His Signed official football during the 'GOAT India Tour' event in Mumbai.


Football legend Lionel Messi poses with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Lionel Messi presents a signed Argentina jersey (No. 10) to Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri during the Mumbai tour stop. Chhetri is wearing a shirt promoting the 'MAHA-DEVA Messi All Stars' initiative.

Also Read >>
 GOAT Meets Legend: Lionel Messi & Sunil Chhetri Embrace in Mumbai Wankhede Stadium

Picture: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis honored the football star with this special Padmapani painting during his visit to Mumbai

Picture: Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan attends the exclusive charity gala and auction for the Messi Tour.

Photo: Lionel Messi With the Indian Flag

Photograph: Messi With the Indian Flag

Also Read >> GOAT Meets Indian Legend: Lionel Messi & Sunil Chhetri Embrace in Mumbai Wankhede Stadium


Day's Highlights: From Padel to Wankhede

Messi, accompanied by his former FC Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez and fellow World Cup winner Rodrigo De Paul, was greeted by a massive crowd, which included fans who had lined Marine Drive and packed local trains, all clad in Argentina's iconic blue and white. The city's itinerary was jam-packed, focusing on high-profile collaborations:

1. Padel GOAT Cup at CCI

The day began with Messi making an appearance at the Cricket Club of India (CCI), within the Brabourne Stadium complex, for the Padel GOAT Cup. This exhibition event marked a unique crossover between football and India's love for cricket and celebrity culture.
  • Celebrity Presence: The event attracted immense star power, with Indian cricketing icon Sachin Tendulkar and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan reportedly in attendance. Messi interacted with high-profile guests before engaging in a brief padel exhibition.

2. Grand Event at Wankhede Stadium

The focus then shifted to the historic Wankhede Stadium, home to Indian cricket's most memorable moments, which was transformed into a football theatre for the main public event.
  • Ceremonial Kick-off: The event began with a ceremonial kick-off, followed by a seven-a-side exhibition football match featuring several Bollywood celebrities and Indian sports stars.
  • Star Sightings: Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri led the exhibition game, while Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Sachin Tendulkar were seen sharing the stands.
  • Fan Frenzy: The stadium, filled to capacity, erupted in deafening cheers as Messi made his on-field appearance to greet the fans, successfully avoiding the issues of overcrowding and security breaches seen in Kolkata.
  • Youth Engagement: A key feature was the launch of Project Mahadeva, a state government initiative focused on boosting grassroots football, with Messi meeting and inspiring 60 scouted young players.


Picture: Messi meets Indian legend Sunil Chhetri 
Top international goal scorers:
  • Cristiano Ronaldo – 143 goals  
  • Lionel Messi – 115 goals 
  • Ali Daei – 108 goals 
  • Sunil Chhetri – 95 goals 


Video: Sachin Tendulkar Meets Lionel Messi At The Wankhede Stadium Mumbai India

Charity Gala and World Cup Memorabilia Auction

The Mumbai stop concluded with a private, closed-door charity fashion show and auction held at a private venue. This event was aimed at raising funds for social causes linked to sports development.
  • Auction Highlight: The auction showcased prized memorabilia from Argentina's glorious 2022 FIFA World Cup victory, giving attendees a chance to own a piece of football history.
  • Bollywood Glitterati: The charity gala was attended by numerous Bollywood personalities, including John Abraham, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Jackie Shroff, and Tiger Shroff, emphasizing the philanthropic and celebrity appeal of the tour's Mumbai leg.
Launch of ‘Project Mahadeva’ with GOAT Lionel Messi

Watch Video of Lionel Messi in Mumbai. Wankhede Celebrates GOAT Tour

A Masterclass in Crowd Management

Following the organizational hiccups in Kolkata, Mumbai Police and event organizers implemented extensive security measures. Watchtowers, traffic diversions around South Mumbai, and the deployment of over 2,000 personnel ensured that the large crowds, estimated to be over 30,000 outside the venues, were managed smoothly. The meticulous planning delivered a seamless experience, allowing the focus to remain on the football legend.

The successful Mumbai leg sets the stage for the final stop of the 'GOAT India Tour 2025,' which will conclude in New Delhi.

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