Lionel Messi is having his time in India. After having a bad start at Kolkata, the G.O.A.T. India tour came into question, but scenes from Hyderabad and Mumbai tell another story.
Everything was going right and as planned in the other two venues, and Messi seemed to have a great time in India. Yesterday, after the Kolkata leg, Messi went to Hyderabad, where he met Rahul Gandhi and the Chief Minister of Telangana and also interacted with fans and after that, he came to Mumbai, where he attended a star-studded fashion show. Luis Suarez and midfielder Rodrigo De Paul will join him for the event. The exclusive event featured top celebrity models, cricketers, and Bollywood stars, including Tiger Shroff, Jackie Shroff and John Abraham.
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The Mumbai G.O.A.T tour
After having a good day at the Rajiv Gandhi International cricket stadium in Hyderabad Messi left for Mumbai on Sunday afternoon.
Lionel Messi arrived at the Wankhede Stadium at around 5:40 PM. He was welcomed and felicitated by Sachin Tendulkar, who gifted him an India jersey, while Messi presented the official FIFA World Cup ball in return. Messi also gifted his Argentina World Cup-winning jerseys to Sunil Chhetri and Devendra Fadnavis.
On the field, he took part in light football activities and scored a penalty also. He also joined a rondo session and kicked footballs into the crowd. Messi waved to fans, smiled, and interacted with people present at the stadium.
Sachin Tendulkar gifted his number 10 jersey to Messi
Indian G.O.A.T., the little Master Sachin Tendulkar, facilitated the Argentine legend Messi with his signed number 10 jersey. He had a chat with Messi and showed him his jersey number. The moment was history itself as Lionel Messi and Sachin Tendulkar, legends of their respective fields, shared enormous respect for each other. Sachin also shared his memories at the Wankhede Stadium and shared how the impact of Messi’s presence could have on young athletes.
“I have spent some incredible moments here. As we say, Mumbai is a city of dreams, and many dreams have reached their destination at this very venue. Without your support, we would never have witnessed those golden moments here in 2011,” Sachin said.
Adding to that, he said, “Today, having all three of them here is a golden moment for Mumbai, for Mumbaikars, and for India. The way you have welcomed these greats has been truly remarkable. When it comes to Leo, what more can one say? He has achieved everything. We admire his dedication, determination, commitment, and above all, his humility. He is loved not just for his talent, but for the person he is.”
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“On behalf of all Mumbaikars and Indians, I wish him and his family the very best of health and happiness. Thank you all once again for being here and for encouraging our youngsters. I hope football in India reaches the heights we all aspire to,” Sachin concluded.
Messi will visit Delhi on Monday and will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.