January 19, 2026 08:39 am (IST)
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Messi
Sachin Tendulkar, Lionel Messi share same stage during Mumbai event. Photo: Sachin Tendulkar/Instagram

Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium, forever etched in Indian cricketing history for hosting the country’s historic 2011 World Cup triumph, witnessed yet another unforgettable moment on Sunday as Argentine football legend Lionel Messi shared the stage with cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar.

Messi, who is currently on his much-anticipated GOAT Tour across India, including stops in Mumbai, delivered a moment that fans will cherish for years.

Sachin Tendulkar took to Instagram to share his emotions after meeting the football great, posting a photo from the event with the caption: “Must say, today was a 10/10 day.”

The meeting of two global sporting icons turned the evening into a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans packed inside the stadium.

After a disappointing episode in Kolkata—where Messi’s visit to the football-loving eastern city ended in chaos and vandalism due to alleged mismanagement—the Hyderabad and Mumbai legs of the tour emerged as spectacular successes, marked by smooth organisation and overwhelming fan enthusiasm.

The electrifying event at Wankhede featured exhibition matches, jersey exchanges, and a penalty shootout competition, with Messi himself stepping up to take part, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

In a deeply symbolic gesture, Sachin Tendulkar presented Messi with his 2011 World Cup jersey, adding yet another historic layer to an evening that united two sporting worlds under one roof.

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