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Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar captured the emotions of a truly special evening after meeting Argentina's FIFA World Cup-winning superstar Lionel Messi at Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.
What unfolded was more than just a sporting event-it was a rare celebration where the long-standing cricket-versus-football debate faded into the background, giving way to one of the most memorable crossovers in Indian sporting history.
Taking to X, Tendulkar shared a warm message for the Argentine great, writing, "Must say, today was a 10/10 day Leo Messi. " The remark carried symbolic weight, as Tendulkar had presented Messi with a Team India jersey bearing the iconic number 10- a number both legends have made their own in their respective
sports.
Must say, today was a 10/10 day Leo Messi 😉 pic.twitter.com/L6AaYY1PdL
- Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 14, 2025
The Wankhede Stadium, a venue etched into Indian cricket folklore for moments like India's 2011 World Cup triumph and Virat Kohli's record-breaking 50th ODI century, transformed into a vibrant celebration of sport, culture and unity. Music, football, cricket, Bollywood and politics came together, creating visuals that fans instantly labelled timeless.
The evening began with thunderous chants of "Messi, Messi" as the crowd waited in anticipation. DJ Chetas set the tone with a high-energy musical set, blending Bollywood hits with global anthems like K'Naan's Wavin' Flag and Ed Sheeran's Sapphire, followed by cultural dance performances.
A friendly football match between Indian Stars and Mitra Stars kept the crowd engaged, featuring actors, Indian footballers and national icon Sunil Chhetri. The loudest roar, however, was reserved for Messi's arrival, as he entered the stadium alongside Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul.
One of the night's defining moments came when Messi shared a warm embrace with Chhetri, marking a landmark instant for Indian football. Messi and his teammates also spent time with young girls from Maharashtra's grassroots initiative, Project Mahadeva, inspiring the next generation with their presence on the pitch.
Messi later presented Chhetri with a signed Argentina jersey and was felicitated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also unveiled Project Mahadeva alongside the football icon.
The emotional peak arrived when Tendulkar and Messi shared the stage. Reflecting on the occasion, Tendulkar said, "I have spent some incredible moments here. Having all three of them (Messi, Suarez and Paul) here is a golden moment for Mumbai and India. " Praising Messi, he added, "He has achieved everything; we admire his dedication and commitment. He is loved so much for his humility and who he is. "
As chants of "Sachin" and "Messi" echoed through Wankhede, the night closed on a fitting note. With Delhi set to host the final stop of Messi's GOAT India Tour, Mumbai had already delivered a moment that will live on in sporting memory.
