Mumbai, December 14 (ANI): Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar described his meeting with Argentine football icon Lionel Messi as a “10/10 day” after the two sporting greats shared the stage at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.
The event, part of Messi’s India visit, brought together cricket, football, entertainment, and public life in a rare crossover that drew a packed crowd at the historic venue. Tendulkar posted on X, “Must say, today was a 10/10 day Leo Messi,” referencing his presentation of a Team India jersey bearing the number 10 to Messi, who famously wears the same number for Argentina.
Wankhede Stadium, known for landmark moments in Indian cricket including the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final, was transformed for the occasion with music, cultural performances, and a friendly football match featuring Indian actors and footballers. The crowd repeatedly chanted Messi’s name as he arrived with Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul.
A key highlight of the evening was Messi’s interaction with Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri, as well as his engagement with young players from Maharashtra’s grassroots initiative, Project Mahadeva. Messi and his teammates spent time on the pitch with the girls’ footballers, later kicking balls into the crowd amid loud cheers.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis felicitated Messi and unveiled Project Mahadeva alongside him, expressing hope that the initiative would help produce future Indian FIFA World Cup players. Messi also presented Chhetri with a signed Argentina jersey.
The evening concluded with Tendulkar and Messi sharing the stage, posing for photographs with dignitaries and players. Addressing the gathering, Tendulkar praised Messi’s achievements, humility, and dedication, calling the occasion a “golden moment” for Mumbai and Indian sport.
The crowd ended the event by chanting the names of both legends. Delhi will be the final stop of Messi’s ‘GOAT India Tour’ on Monday.
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