Mumbai, December 14, 2025 - A wave of excitement swept across social media today as pictures of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and football superstar Lionel Messi together at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium went viral. The meeting, a highlight of Messi's "GOAT India Tour 2025," captivated fans and marked a unique intersection of two of the world's most beloved sports.
The event at Wankhede Stadium, a venue steeped in cricketing history, saw Messi engage with young football players, Tendulkar, and Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri. The stadium, which has witnessed India lifting the Cricket World Cup twice, was filled with energy as fans cheered for the footballing great. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was also present, and announced the launch of 'Project Mahadeva', an initiative aimed at developing young football talent in the state.
The highlight of the evening was when Sachin Tendulkar presented Lionel Messi with his iconic India jersey from the 2011 Cricket World Cup. Tendulkar, with a smile, pointed to the No. 10 on the back, a number he shares with Messi. In return, Messi gifted Tendulkar the official 2026 FIFA World Cup ball. The exchange was symbolic, representing a merging of cricket's rich past with football's promising future.
Tendulkar addressed the crowd, initially in Marathi before switching to English, emphasizing the impact of Messi's presence on young athletes and calling the meeting a memorable moment at Wankhede. He lauded Messi's dedication, determination, humility and commitment. "He is loved not just for his talent, but for the person he is,” Sachin stated, wishing Messi and his family well on behalf of all Indians.
Messi's visit to the Wankhede was part of his GOAT India Tour 2025, with previous stops in Kolkata and Hyderabad. Earlier in the day, Messi participated in a program promoting Padel at the Cricket Club of India (CCI). At Wankhede, besides meeting Tendulkar, Messi interacted with other sports personalities, celebrities and politicians. He also walked around the ground, greeting fans and kicking footballs into the stands.
Sunil Chhetri, the captain of the Indian national football team, also had an emotional meeting with Messi. The two embraced, a moment that resonated deeply with Indian football fans. Chhetri also played in an exhibition match during the event.
The event wasn't without its share of challenges. Messi's arrival was delayed by approximately 30 minutes. However, once he arrived, he appeared relaxed and keen to interact with the crowd. Despite a brief appearance in Kolkata that led to some disappointment, his time in Mumbai was well-received, with fans expressing their excitement and satisfaction.
The images and videos of Tendulkar and Messi together quickly went viral, with fans calling it a "GOAT moment". The convergence of these two sporting icons at the Wankhede Stadium has undoubtedly created a lasting memory for fans in India and across the globe.
