Argentine World Cup-winner Lionel Messi thrilled fans in Mumbai with his appearance at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday during the GOAT India Tour 2025.
Messi, alongside Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, was given a raucous reception at the hallowed stadium in the Maximum City, with the legendary Sachin Tendulkar in attendance.
🚨 BREAKING: Leo Messi just arrived at the Wankhede stadium holding over 40k crowd in Mumbai,
& the Whole crowd Started Chanting “MESSI, MESSI, MESSI”. 🔥🐐pic.twitter.com/6mOWo5IhDf
— MessiXtra (@MessiXtraHQ) December 14, 2025
Messi, who arrived in Mumbai on Sunday morning, was part of a meet-and-greet with celebrities at the Cricket Club of India, before he walked into the Wankhede.
The Maximum City painted itself in shades
all reminiscent of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner followers of the Argentine World Cup-winner painted the streets red as they turned the iconic Marine Drive into a breathing tribute to the miracle man from Rosario. Fans adorned the famous Mumbai local trains with banners, scarves, and jerseys, paying homage to the Argentine World Cup-winner.
After a chaotic start to the Tour on Saturday morning at the Salt Lake Stadium, the Hyderabad leg in the evening helped offset the pandemonium in Kolkata. Messi appeared comfortable on the field, passing the ball around with teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, as Telangana CM Revanth Reddy also joined in.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner thrilled fans with a few touches before sending lucky spectators home with a memento by kicking a ball into the stands, where excited followers scrambled to catch it. Messi was honoured by Reddy and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi following the exhibition game in Uppal.
After the event in Telangana, Messi flew to Mumbai, where another exciting day awaited him. He was expected to participate in pick-up padel games and attend a celebrity game later in the evening.
Messi travelled to Hyderabad after a chaotic visit to Kolkata, where fans who had paid to see him were left disappointed. Politicians and organisers obstructed the Argentine superstar during his lap of honour at VYBK, preventing fans from getting a clear view of him. This led to security breaches and forced Messi to stop his lap of honour midway. Frustrated with the event’s organisation, fans began removing chairs and throwing various objects.
Messi arrived in Kolkata early on Saturday morning to great enthusiasm. Thousands of followers gathered at hotels, streets, and landmarks, hoping to catch a glimpse of the football icon. He unveiled a statue of his likeness at Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town, South Dum Dum. The statue depicts the legend holding the FIFA World Cup trophy, commemorating his crowning achievement with Argentina in Qatar.
