New Delhi: Sunil Chettri’s presence at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday added an emotional layer to Lionel Messi’s GOAT India Tour. The former India captain
walked into the iconic venue wearing a special Messi No.10 kit, drawing loud cheers from a packed crowd that instantly recognised the significance of the moment.
As Chettri made his way onto the field, the welcome was nothing short of special as fans rose to their feet and started chanting his name repeatedly. The moment turned the spotlight briefly away from Messi onto India’s own football legend. The Bengaluru FC skipper soaked in the applause before heading for the match, after which the moment came as both the legends hugged each other, showcasing mutual respect as both are celebrated sports icons across continents.
Sunil Chhetri – The GOAT of Indian football has arrived 😎#MessiInIndia #MessiTour pic.twitter.com/q0QEdFCKjH
— Doordarshan Sports (@ddsportschannel) December 14, 2025
A moment of mutual respect
Chhetri greeted Messi with a warm embrace, a moment that captured the mutual admiration between the two and went viral instantly. The Argentine legend acknowledged Chhetri’s gesture with a smile as the pair posed for photographs. Chhetri also exchanged greetings with Messi’s Inter Miami teammates, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, completing a rare gathering of footballing stars on Indian soil.
When two football legends collide! 🐐🤝🇮🇳
Messi embracing India’s GOAT Sunil Chhetri at Wankhede – pure magic! 🥹❤️⚽#MessiInIndia #GOATIndiaTour #Messi #MessiMahaDeva
pic.twitter.com/uJi3GZS7vV— Naresh Tanwar (@nareshtanwar_) December 14, 2025
Later, even Messi presented Chhetri with his signed jersey as they posed for a photographer. For many fans in attendance, it was a rare chance to see Indian and global football icons share the same stage, a scene that underlined how far the sport has come in the country.
I loved how everyone moved aside so Sunil Chhetri and Lionel Messi could take the picture together. 💗pic.twitter.com/rmWN5LdYhV
— Selfless⁴⁵ (@SelflessCricket) December 14, 2025
Chhetri’s involvement in the event had been confirmed earlier by Bengaluru FC through a social media post. The club had announced that their skipper would be part of the Mumbai leg of the tour, building anticipation among fans well before Sunday’s celebrations at Wankhede.
Star-studded evening at Wankhede
Other than Chhetri, the event drew several high-profile personalities, making it a truly star-studded affair in Mumbai. The cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar was also among the notable dignitaries present, further elevating the atmosphere inside the iconic Wankhede Stadium. Bollywood stars Tiger Shroff and Ajay Devgan, along with Mumbai CM Devendra Fadnavis, were also present for the iconic moment.
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