Watch: Lionel Messi shares a hug with Sunil Chhetri, presents him Argentina jersey at Wankhede

Lionel Messi shares a hug with Sunil Chhetri, presents him Argentina jersey at Wankhede

Sunil Chhetri, former India football captain, graced the Mumbai leg of Lionel Messi GOAT Tour 2025 at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. He sported the No. 10 jersey, almost similar to Messi's former football club Barcelona, with the Argentine's name imprinted on the back.

Chhetri's introduction was met with enthusiastic reception as the Indian talisman made a spectacular entrance in front of a capacity crowd at the iconic stadium.

Sunil Chhetri - The GOAT of Indian football has arrived #MessiInIndia#MessiTourpic.twitter.com/q0QEdFCKjH

— Doordarshan Sports (@ddsportschannel) December 14, 2025

One GOAT to another GOAT #MessiMania#MessiInMumbaipic.twitter.com/F2zvmdG88c — Doordarshan Sports (@ddsportschannel) December 14, 2025

Chhetri took part in an exhibition match between Indian Stars and Mitra Stars. Actors Tiger Shroff, Jim Sarbh, Indian footballers Nikhil Poojari, and Bala Devi, Rahul Bheke and Chinglensana Singh Konsham were part of the fixture.

Messi then entered the venue along with his Inter Miami FC teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, leaving the arena berserk. The Argentine legend took some time to soak in the love from the crowd, who just could not stop chanting his name.

Also Read | Sachin Tendulkar presents Lionel Messi with his iconic No. 10 ODI jersey at Wankhede Stadium

After the friendly match, both the Indian Stars and Mitra Stars teams lined up to meet Messi. The moment produced the first crossover moment of the night that would go down as one of the biggest moments in Indian football history, as Messi shared a moment with Chhetri and both hugged each other. Messi also gifted a signed Argentina jersey to Chhetri.

Messi and his teammates also spent valuable time on the pitch with girl footballers, who were part of the state's grassroots football project, 'Project Mahadeva'. It was a memorable moment for these young players, as they got to pass around the ball with perhaps the greatest footballer at the other end to see them and take the ball.

Messi and his teammates took turns kicking footballs into the crowd, with each kick getting a louder roar than the previous one.

The Argentine legend was felicitated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis along with his other teammates. Fadnavis also gifted a special memento to Messi.