Mumbai, December 14, 2025 - Lionel Messi, the Argentine football legend, sent fans into a frenzy in Mumbai today as he proudly held the Indian flag during his GOAT India Tour 2025. The gesture, which occurred at the Wankhede Stadium, has been widely celebrated by Indian fans online, with many expressing their appreciation for the superstar's respect for Indian culture.
Messi's tour arrived in Mumbai after earlier stops in Kolkata and Hyderabad. The Kolkata leg was marred by chaos, with fans vandalizing the Salt Lake Stadium after struggling to get a glimpse of the football icon. However, the Mumbai event appears to have been a resounding success, with organizers ensuring smoother crowd control and heightened security.
The day began with Messi attending the Padel GOAT Cup at the Cricket Club of India. Later, he arrived at Wankhede Stadium, where he was greeted by Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar presented Messi with a special Indian jersey, and Messi reciprocated by gifting Tendulkar a football. Former Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were also present.
The highlight of the evening came when Messi, along with his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, took center stage. In a symbolic moment, Messi held the Indian flag, Suarez displayed Uruguay's flag, and De Paul represented Argentina. This gesture drew loud cheers from the crowd and sparked an outpouring of love and admiration on social media.
"Respect earned, love returned," one fan tweeted, encapsulating the sentiment of many Indian supporters. Others praised Messi for embracing Indian culture and for acknowledging the passion of his Indian fanbase.
The Mumbai leg of Messi's tour also included a seven-a-side exhibition match featuring Bollywood celebrities. Following the event at Wankhede, a private charity fashion show and auction was scheduled, with items including memorabilia from Argentina's 2022 FIFA World Cup win. Actors such as Jackie Shroff, John Abraham, and Kareena Kapoor Khan were expected to attend the charity event. Earlier in the day, Kareena Kapoor Khan and her sons met Messi, Suarez, and De Paul at the Brabourne Stadium.
Messi's visit to India has generated immense excitement, with fans revisiting his career achievements, his impressive net worth, and his luxurious lifestyle. As of 2025, Messi's net worth is estimated to be around $850 million. His earnings come from a combination of his salary, endorsements, and business ventures. He has endorsement deals with major global brands like Adidas, Pepsi, and Mastercard.
The GOAT India Tour 2025 is sponsored by Rubics Group. The tour is scheduled to continue to New Delhi. Despite the earlier problems in Kolkata, Messi's visit to Mumbai has been a resounding success, strengthening his connection with Indian fans and leaving a lasting positive impression.
