What was meant to be a feel-good celebration of Lionel Messi’s India tour took an uncomfortable turn in Mumbai on Sunday night. As the football icon arrived at a packed Wankhede Stadium, sections of the crowd made it clear they were there for one reason only — Messi — and not particularly interested in Bollywood detours.
What went wrong on the field
The awkward moment unfolded during the on-ground programme when organisers briefly paused proceedings to felicitate celebrities in attendance. As Tiger Shroff was introduced as a “youth icon” and invited on stage, loud boos erupted from parts of the stands. Minutes later, a similar reaction followed when Ajay Devgn was called up.
The disapproval appeared less personal and more situational. Many fans, already restless after waiting hours, seemed impatient for the main attraction — Lionel Messi — and weren’t in the mood for extended celebrity segments.
A stadium waiting for one man
Messi had landed in Mumbai earlier in the day as part of his GOAT India tour and arrived at Wankhede in the evening to a roaring reception. The 38-year-old football legend immediately commanded the crowd’s attention, interacting with fans by tossing footballs into the stands and sharing time on the field with former India captain Sunil Chhetri.
The mood shifted decisively when Messi took centre stage, reminding everyone why the stadium was overflowing in the first place.
Sachin Tendulkar moment steals the show
One of the most applauded moments of the evening came when Sachin Tendulkar walked onto the field. The cricket icon presented Messi with his iconic No. 10 ODI jersey — a symbolic gesture that resonated deeply with fans of both sports. Messi responded by gifting Tendulkar a World Cup ball, with the two legends exchanging smiles and a brief conversation through a translator.
Messi also met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during the event, adding another high-profile moment to the night.
A tour with mixed experiences
The Mumbai leg followed contrasting scenes earlier on the tour. Messi’s Kolkata visit had sparked confusion and frustration after fans failed to catch more than a fleeting glimpse during his short appearance at Salt Lake Stadium. Hyderabad, on the other hand, passed smoothly, thanks to tighter scheduling and crowd management.
With Mumbai now in the books, Messi’s GOAT India tour — which has already covered Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai — is set to conclude in Delhi on Monday, December 15.
Final words
Sunday night at Wankhede was a reminder of Messi’s unmatched pull in India — and how easily fan expectations can tip the balance of a live event. While the boos aimed at Tiger Shroff and Ajay Devgn were awkward, they underscored one thing loud and clear: when Messi is in the house, everything else becomes background noise.
