Thousands of Messi fans had gathered near Wankhede Stadium ahead of the football legend’s appearance as part of the GOAT Tour 2025. Many fans were dressed in Argentina’s famous blue-and-white jerseys, while others wore Barcelona colours, paying tribute to Messi’s long and celebrated career with the club and the national team.
Lionel Messi fans in Mumbai gave a heartwarming tribute on Sunday evening by stopping their celebrations to thank the Mumbai Police outside the iconic Wankhede Stadium.
A video that has now gone viral shows fans clapping together and chanting “Thank you, thank you” as police personnel stood among the crowd. One officer could be seen smiling, clearly moved by the unexpected show of appreciation from the supporters.
Hours before the Mumbai leg of the tour began, supporters started assembling along Marine Drive, Mumbai’s three-kilometre-long seafront stretch. Despite the huge turnout, traffic flow and crowd movement around the area remained largely smooth, thanks to tight police arrangements.
Netizens react
Netizens loved how the process was smooth and hassle-free, one user wrote, "Can’t say this enough: @MumbaiPolice is truly the best. Safety and management on point. They manage everything so smoothly."
Another X user wrote, "The best police department hands down, whole year they manage so many people it’s just another day for them."
Another user shared, "Difference between 2 cities." comparing the mismanagement in the Kolkata event of the GOAT tour.
Inside the stadium, loud chants of “Messi, Messi” filled the air as the football icon finally arrived to a thunderous welcome. Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was also present at the event, along with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
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Kolkata football fans left heartbroken
Messi came to Kolkata on December 13, and due to the ill management of Kolkata Police and event organisers, fans couldn't catch a glimpse of the prince of football. One user wrote in the comment section, "Kolkata Police you see?", another user wrote, "Kolkata Police says this is AI."
Another wrote, "Kolkata Police left the chat."
During the programme, Messi was scheduled to formally launch Project Mahadeva, a Maharashtra government initiative focused on improving grassroots football development across the state.
Messi has been receiving immense love from fans across India during his three-day visit. Before arriving in Mumbai, the football legend had visited Kolkata and Hyderabad on Saturday as part of the first leg of his whirlwind India tour.
