Having Messi is a golden moment for Mumbai and India: Tendulkar

The hallowed grounds of the iconic Wankhede Stadium added another glorious chapter to Indian sporting history on Sunday as two of the greatest sportsmen ever, Lionel Messi and Sachin Tendulkar, shared the center stage of a grand event. in Mumbai

On his third stop on his four-city GOAT India tour, Messi spent exactly an hour in Wankhede, interacting with young footballers, cricket icon Tendulkar, Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri and entertainment celebrities.

Tendulkar termed Argentinian football superstar Lionel Messi’s visit to Mumbai as a golden moment for the city and the country.

Tendulkar compared the 2011 Cricket World Cup victory at the same ground to Messi’s visit along with his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul.

«I have spent some incredible moments here. As we call it, Mumbai is a city of dreams. And some dreams have seen their completion here at this venue. And without your support, we would never have seen those golden moments on this ground in 2011,» Tendulkar said, referring to India’s ODI World Cup victory in which he played a major role.

«And today it is indeed a golden moment to have all three of them here for Mumbai, Mumbaikars and India. The way you have hosted all three greats of the game is truly remarkable.»

Speaking about Messi, he said: «When it comes to Leo, it wouldn’t be the right platform if I had to talk about his game. And you know, what can you say about him? He has achieved everything. We really admire his dedication, determination and commitment.»

«And above all, his humility, the person he is. And on behalf of Mumbaikars and Indians, I would like to wish him and his family the very best of health and happiness for all of you. Thank you again for being there and encouraging the youth.»

Tendulkar also hoped that “India also reaches the heights we all aspire to (in football).” Tendulkar presented Messi with a number 10 jersey signed by him. The Argentina World Cup-winning captain responded with a football.

Messi arrived in Mumbai around noon under “World Cup” level security measures, marking the second day of his four-city ‘GOAT India Tour 2025’.

He will conclude his visit on Monday in New Delhi, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Messi had arrived in India in the early hours of Saturday, but the opening leg of the tour in Calcutta quickly descended into chaos later in the day due to poor crowd management and security lapses.

However, his evening program in the Hyderabad leg was in stark contrast to the chaos in Kolkata, went smoothly and ended on a positive note.

Published on December 14, 2025