Mumbai, December 14, 2025 - The city of Mumbai has been swept by "Max-Mania" as football superstar Lionel Messi arrived for the Mumbai leg of his "GOAT India Tour 2025". Following a chaotic start to the tour in Kolkata and a more warmly received stop in Hyderabad, Mumbai is pulling out all the stops to welcome the Argentine icon.
Videos circulating on social media show enthusiastic fans turning Mumbai's iconic local trains into vibrant Messi celebration zones. FC Barcelona fans adorned the trains with flags and banners, chanting Messi's name with musical instruments, creating a unique and spirited atmosphere. Other fans were seen singing Ganpati Aarti in front of Messi posters, blending the fervor of football with local traditions.
Messi's schedule in Mumbai is packed with events. He is expected to attend the Padel GOAT Cup event at the Cricket Club of India's Brabourne Stadium and later visit Wankhede Stadium. A celebrity football match is also on the cards. Furthermore, 60 under-14 football talents from across Maharashtra have been selected by the state's Sports Department for a unique opportunity to train with Messi. The day will conclude with a private charity fashion show and auction, featuring memorabilia from Argentina's 2022 FIFA World Cup victory. Celebrities like Jackie Shroff, John Abraham, and Kareena Kapoor Khan are expected to attend the charity event.
Security has been significantly heightened across the city in anticipation of Messi's visit. Over 2,000 police personnel have been deployed at the Brabourne and Wankhede Stadiums, with measures including watchtowers and restrictions on items like water bottles and metal objects. These measures are in response to the chaotic scenes witnessed in Kolkata, where fans vandalized the stadium after a brief appearance by Messi. A police official stated that "World Cup-level" security arrangements were in place, ensuring a safe and smooth experience for everyone.
To manage the crowds and traffic, authorities are recommending that fans use the Mumbai local train to reach Wankhede Stadium. Churchgate Station on the Western Railway line is the closest stop, just a short walk from the stadium.
The "GOAT India Tour 2025" has had its share of ups and downs. The Kolkata leg was marred by mismanagement and fan unrest, while the Hyderabad event was a success, with Messi participating in an exhibition match with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and interacting with children. In Hyderabad, Messi also met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and presented him with his Argentina jersey.
As Messi continues his tour, the final stop will be in Delhi on Monday, where he is scheduled to meet with the Chief Justice of India, the Army Chief, and potentially Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He is also expected to greet Indian cricketers at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium.
The excitement in Mumbai is palpable as fans eagerly await the chance to see Lionel Messi in action. The city is ready to provide a memorable experience for the football legend, showcasing India's passion for the beautiful game.
