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GOAT India Tour: When Mumbai met Messi!

Updated on: 15 December,2025 02:17 PM IST  |  Mumbai
Sujay Shivalkar | sujay.shivalkar@mid-day.com

Despite having the likes of so many bigwigs from different fields, no injuries or unfortunate incidents were reported in Mumbai. With this, Mumbaikars yet again showcased that when it comes to hosting major events in India, no city would turn out to be better than the country's financial capital

GOAT India Tour: When Mumbai met Messi!

A jam-packed Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai to host Lionel Messi's "GOAT India Tour" event (Pic: Kunal Shroff)

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Yet again, Mumbai pulled one of the biggest events in India's sporting history with ease at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. Argentina's legendary footballer, Lionel Messi, visited Wankhede on day two of his “GOAT India Tour”.

During the event, the stadium was completely filled with fans and celebrities from different fields. Cricket stars such as Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh, along with Bollywood celebrities including Tiger Shroff, Shahid Kapoor and others, made their appearances at the venue.


The moment that stood out the most was when the Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri greeted Messi. The Argentine footballer also presented Chhetri with his national team jersey, bearing his autograph on it.



Despite the presence of several bigwigs from different fields, no injuries or unfortunate incidents were reported in Mumbai. Although the city witnessed some traffic on the streets of Marine Lines, it was efficiently managed by the Mumbai Police.

Fans appreciated the Mumbai Police by clapping and cheering for them outside the stadium.

The Argentine superstar, along with Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, appeared to have enjoyed the event in our very own Mumbai. The stadium, known for hosting various cricketing events, witnessed a football event for the first time, which will be etched in the hearts of millions of Indian fans.

Earlier, Mumbai had also conducted Team India's T20 World Cup 2024 victory parade without recording any injuries. With this, Mumbaikars once again showcased that when it comes to hosting major events in India, no city turns out to be better than the country's financial capital.

A day before his Mumbai visit, fans experienced poor managerial planning in Kolkata. Several fans said that the footballer was present at the venue for less than 20 minutes and were unable to get a glimpse as he was mobbed by politicians and VIPs.

The Sree Bhumi Sporting Club at Lake Town in South Dum Dum also constructed a 70-foot iron statue of the footballer. Lionel Messi unveiled the statue virtually on Saturday.

Later, the event in Hyderabad turned out to be a successful one for Messi. He was also seen playing football with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.

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