Mumbai (Maharashtra): Argentine football legend Lionel Messi arrived in Mumbai on Sunday as part of the third stop of his GOAT India Tour 2025, drawing excitement among fans after contrasting experiences in Kolkata and Hyderabad.
The World Cup-winning captain reached the city and checked into the Taj Mahal Hotel, where a warm welcome awaits him from Mumbai’s football enthusiasts. His arrival follows a turbulent event in Kolkata, where alleged mismanagement and VIP crowding overshadowed his appearance, and a highly organised and celebratory reception in Hyderabad.
In Hyderabad, Messi captivated thousands of fans at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, where he participated in a 7-on-7 exhibition football match alongside Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. The event marked the second leg of his India tour and was widely hailed as a memorable experience for spectators.
During his Hyderabad visit, Messi also met Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and presented him with his iconic Argentina number 10 jersey. The football icon posed for photographs with Rahul Gandhi, Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, and was felicitated by the Telangana Chief Minister with a memento.
Messi, who also serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, spent time interacting with children at the venue, briefly playing football with them and creating lasting memories for young fans.
As part of his Mumbai schedule, the Maharashtra Sports Department will select under-14 footballers from across the state, who will get an opportunity to train with Messi on Sunday. The initiative is aimed at inspiring young talent and promoting grassroots football development.
Delhi will serve as the final destination of Messi’s GOAT India Tour 2025, where the global football icon is scheduled to appear on Monday.
