Lionel Messi on Saturday met India cricket great Sachin Tendulkar at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai as part of his ongoing GOAT Tour of India 2025. Tendulkar could be seen gifting Messi his own iconic No.10 jersey which was worn during the 2011 World Cup which he and India won at the same ground. He then went on to compare Messi’s visit to the ground with the victory.
“I have spent some incredible moments here. As we call it, Mumbai is a city of dreams. And a number of dreams have seen the finish line here on this very venue. And without your support, we would never have seen those golden moments on this ground in 2011,” Tendulkar said referring to the World Cup victory. Tendulkar said that having Messi and fellow football stars Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul at the Wankhede Stadium is also a “golden moment for Mumbai, Mumbaikars and India”.
“The way you have received all three greats of the game has truly been remarkable,” he said.
“When it comes to Leo, if I have to speak about his game, it wouldn’t be the right platform. And you know, what does one talk about him? He has achieved everything. We really admire his dedication, determination, commitment,” said Tendulkar.
“And above all, his humility, the person that 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 to all of you. Thank you once again for being here and encouraging youngsters.”
Messi’s visit to Mumbai went off smoothly, with the Argentine football star spending a considerable amount of time at the ground, interacting with fans and indulging in some casual kickabouts with kids under the Project Mahadev initiative. Messi also met a few of India’s football stars, including the legendary Sunil Chhetri. While it was similar scenes in the evening of Saturday as well in Hyderabad, it was in stark contrast to what happened in Kolkata during his first stop of the tour. Messi now concludes his tour with a visit to Delhi on Monday.
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