Sachin Tendulkar, the god of cricket, walked across the outfield of the Wankhede Stadium to meet Lionel Messi, football’s global messiah, on a Sunday evening that will be etched in Mumbai’s sporting folklore.
He presented the Argentine star with the iconic 2011 World Cup cricket jersey, with ‘Tendulkar’ and the number 10 on the back.
Messi returned the gesture with a replica of the Trionda, the football that will be used during next year’s FIFA World Cup.
Yet the loudest cheer of the night was reserved for another altercation – when Messi handed his Argentina jersey to Sunil Chhetri, the regular face of Indian football, causing a roar that temporarily drowned out other chants.
The hallowed ground of the Wankhede thus added another glorious chapter to Indian sporting history as Tendulkar and Messi shared the stage at a grand event in Mumbai, Messi’s third stop in his four-city GOAT India tour.
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Messi spent an hour at the venue interacting with young footballers, Tendulkar, Chhetri and celebrities from the entertainment world. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in the presence of his wife Amruta and veteran football administrator Praful Patel, announced the launch of Project Maha-Deva, a nationwide initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing young football talent while ensuring world-class infrastructure support.
Accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul, Messi walked to a packed stadium that resonated with chants of «Messi… Messi,» at times making the Wankhede feel closer to Barcelona’s Camp Nou. Chants of “Sachin… Sachin” reached their peak when Tendulkar joined Messi on stage, with the batting legend at the venue recalling India’s 2011 World Cup victory and praising Messi’s dedication and performance.
Messi also interacted with former India captain Chhetri and members of the Mitra Stars and India Stars teams, who took part in a seven-a-side friendly, as well as young players from Project Maha-Deva. The evening ended with Messi and his teammates taking a lap around the ground and kicking footballs into the stands – a moment that will remain unforgettable for Mumbai’s sports fans.
Published on December 14, 2025
