A memorable chapter in Indian football unfolded in Mumbai on Sunday as Lionel Messi and Sunil Chhetri shared a heartfelt moment during the GOAT India Tour 2025. The meeting of two legends at the Wankhede
Stadium became the emotional centre-piece of Messi's visit, drawing loud cheers from fans packed inside the iconic venue.
Messi, accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, was welcomed with thunderous applause as he stepped onto the field. Moments later, all eyes turned to the warm embrace between Messi and Chhetri - India's highest-ever goalscorer - a gesture that symbolised mutual respect across continents and generations.
The Argentine superstar later presented an Argentina jersey to Chhetri, a moment that resonated deeply with Indian football fans.
GOAT 🇦🇷 🐐 X GOAT 🇮🇳 🐐
- IFTWC - Indian Football (@IFTWC) December 14, 2025
Sunil Chhetri ❤️ Leo Messi pic.twitter.com/hnRMRXj3Wl
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who felicitated Messi and his teammates following a lap around the ground. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar's presence further elevated the occasion, underlining the sporting significance of the evening.
One GOAT to another GOAT 🤝🥰#MessiMania #MessiInMumbai pic.twitter.com/F2zvmdG88c
- Doordarshan Sports (@ddsportschannel) December 14, 2025
Mumbai embraced the occasion in full voice, transforming into a sea of Argentina colours. Fans thronged Marine Drive and nearby streets, while local trains were adorned with Messi jerseys, scarves and banners celebrating the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. Earlier in the day, Messi had interacted with celebrities at the Cricket Club of India before making his way to Wankhede.
The Mumbai leg offered a sharp contrast to the chaotic scenes witnessed in Kolkata, where crowding and security concerns cut short Messi's appearance. Hyderabad later helped steady the tour, with Messi appearing relaxed alongside Suarez and De Paul during an exhibition event.
In Mumbai, however, it was the Messi-Chhetri meeting that truly captured hearts. For Indian football supporters, the image of their homegrown icon standing shoulder to shoulder with the world's greatest player was more than a photo opportunity - it was a moment of pride, inspiration and shared footballing history.
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