On December 14, 2025, Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai transformed into a sea of blue and white as football legend Lionel Messi brought his GOAT India Tour to the iconic venue. After a mixed reception on Day 1, Day 2 delivered pure magic, blending high-energy entertainment, competitive football, cultural tributes, and heartfelt moments that united fans across sports. Broadcast live on Doordarshan Sports, the event showcased Messi’s humility and star power alongside Indian icons.
A High-Energy Start: Music and Cultural Fusion
The evening kicked off with host RJ Sammy firing up the crowd with chants of “Leo!” and “Messi!” He highlighted the tour’s themes of excellence and passion while thanking sponsors like Adani, HSBC, and JSW.
DJ Chetas took the stage next, delivering pulsating Bollywood hits and motivational tracks that had fans dancing and singing along. Songs about unity, champions, and rising up set the perfect tone, with the crowd waving flags and chanting in unison.
Students from Pilai University then delivered a stunning fusion performance, blending Indian rhythms with Argentine elements in a heartfelt tribute to Messi. The crowd roared in appreciation for this beautiful cultural crossover.
Thrilling All-Star Action on the Pitch
The excitement shifted to football with a friendly yet competitive 7v7 all-star match featuring Indian talents like Sunil Chhetri. In one game, Chhetri scored a brilliant header for Mitra Stars, answered later to make it 1-1. Commentary praised the skill and spirit on display.
The Moment Everyone Waited For: Messi’s Arrival
The stadium exploded when Lionel Messi arrived with Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul. Chants of “Leo!”, “Suarez!”, and “Rodrigo!” echoed through the stands. The trio participated in penalty kicks and interacted warmly with players.
GOAT India Tour: Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez & Rodrigo De Paul in …
Historic Crossover: Messi Meets Sachin Tendulkar
One of the night’s most iconic moments came when cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar joined the festivities. Tendulkar presented Messi with a special jersey, while Messi received a World Cup ball in return. Tendulkar spoke eloquently about Messi’s humility, wishing him health and happiness.
Inspiring the Future: Project Mahadeva Launch
Messi also headlined the launch of Project Mahadeva, a youth football initiative scouting under-13 talent in Maharashtra. Young footballers joined Messi for a special clinic, learning skills from the legend himself. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis highlighted the project’s potential, declaring, “You’ll find one of them playing in the FIFA World Cup.”
As the event wrapped with final chants and thanks, Mumbai proved why it’s the city of dreams. Lionel Messi’s visit wasn’t just a tour stop – it was a celebration of football, culture, and inspiration that will be remembered for years to come.
