Messi in India: A 10/10 evening

Mumbai played host to a truly special occasion as Lionel Messi and Sachin Tendulkar, two legends from different sporting disciplines, came together on the same stage. The meeting of these greats elevated the Mumbai leg of Messi’s GOAT Tour in India into an unforgettable experience.

The city of Mumbai, known for its passion for cricket, embraced the football icon with open arms on Sunday evening. The organizers' careful planning ensured a seamless event for the eager crowd.

Messi appeared touched by the warm welcome he received at Wankhede Stadium. The city had prepared for his arrival, with streets and local trains displaying Argentina's colors as fans donned the team's jerseys.

Tendulkar presented Messi with a cherished memento: his iconic India jersey from the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. Messi responded with a smile and a handshake, a wordless acknowledgement between two legends.

The crowd at Wankhede Stadium erupted as the two stood together, chanting both “Messi” and “Sachin.” For a few remarkable minutes, Mumbai celebrated both football and cricket in a rare moment of cross-sport unity.

**Key Moments from Messi's Mumbai Visit:**

Earlier, Messi, along with Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, interacted with fans on the field. Tendulkar later joined them, marking the first time the two sporting icons had been seen together publicly during Messi’s India tour.

After stepping onto the field, Tendulkar gifted Messi his No. 10 ODI jersey, a moment emphasized by the event's presenter, highlighting their shared jersey number. The exchange was met with enthusiastic applause.

Messi reciprocated by giving Tendulkar a World Cup ball, making the exchange of memorabilia mutual. A translator assisted the two legends in a brief conversation.

Indian football star Sunil Chhetri also received a special jersey from Messi after participating in an exhibition match earlier in the evening at Wankhede Stadium.

Sixty children from Maharashtra's 'Project Mahadeva' grassroots initiative, launched by Lionel Messi, participated in a coaching clinic with Messi, Suarez, and de Paul.

The event in Mumbai was further highlighted by the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He subtly contrasted the event with Messi's Kolkata visit, which had been marred by chaos.

In a heartwarming scene, Messi fans in Mumbai were seen applauding the police for ensuring a smooth and memorable evening.

The stark contrast to the Mumbai event was the chaotic scene in Kolkata. There, fans grew frustrated due to limited access to Messi, who was surrounded by VIPs. The situation escalated as some attendees broke through barricades and damaged property, leading Messi to shorten his visit. Despite the Kolkata incident, Messi fulfilled his commitments in Hyderabad and Mumbai. Tour organizer Satadru Dutta was arrested for negligence related to inadequate security in Kolkata.