Lionel Messi gets GOAT reception at Wankhede Stadium; link-up with Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Chhetri steals the spotlight

Messi spent around an hour at Wankhede Stadium, interacting with young footballers, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri.

Published on: Dec 14, 2025 10:26 PM IST

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Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul arrived at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium all smiles, greeted by roaring cheers from the fans packed into the venue. (Anshuman Poyrekar/HT Photo)

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Lionel Messi was continuously cheered by fans as he made his way around Wankhede Stadium, taking time to acknowledge and greet them along the route. (AFP)

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Apart from Lionel Messi, his friends and club teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul were also greeted with huge cheers from fans inside the stadium.    (PTI)

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Lionel Messi spent time playing football with young fans in the stadium, creating an unforgettable and magical experience for them. (REUTERS)

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Lionel Messi interacted with young players at Wankhede Stadium, shaking hands, exchanging smiles, and even playing football with them, making it an unforgettable experience for the children and a truly special moment for everyone present.    (ANI)

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Batting great Sachin Tendulkar presented Lionel Messi with his iconic number 10 jersey from India's 2011 World Cup triumph at the same venue. (PTI)

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Lionel Messi presented Sunil Chhetri with his signed Argentina jersey, drawing one of the loudest cheers of the night. (PTI)

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Lionel Messi also presented a football to cricket great Sachin Tendulkar after receiving the jersey from him. (PTI)

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Lionel Messi also presented his Argentina jersey to Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, one of the prominent attendees at the event. (PTI)

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Lionel Messi enjoyed a never-to-be-forgotten outing at the Wankhede which was packed to the brim by his, and of course, Barca fans. (AP)