Lionel Messi’s whirlwind tour of India found its perfect, heartwarming conclusion in Mumbai. Following some initial hiccups, the football legend’s last trip offered a smooth celebration that culminated in a memorable moment between two icons that captured the hearts of the country.
A Tour of Contrasts
Messi’s visit began under a cloud in Kolkata on December 13, where chaotic crowd management forced an early exit and sparked criticism. The story changed later that day in Hyderabad, where better planning let 50,000 fans safely experience “Messi-mania.” This paved the way for a grand finale at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium.
Wankhede’s Unmistakable Message
The Mumbai leg drew celebrities, but the packed stands had a clear favorite. While legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Chhetri received warm welcomes, the loudest roars were reserved for Messi, Luis Suarez, and Rodrigo De Paul. By kicking balls into the crowd and playing with young local football players, the three delighted the throng. However, the act of deep respect between peers was what made the event memorable.
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The Iconic Handshake and a Priceless Gift
The stadium erupted when Messi and Sunil Chhetri shared a handshake and a brief exchange on the field. Chhetri, who played and scored in the celebrity match, later joined Messi on stage. There, the Argentine legend presented Chhetri with a gift that thrilled the crowd: his own signed Argentina jersey. The gesture, showing respect from one global football icon to India’s pride, earned the loudest cheer of the night.
Sunil Chhetri – The GOAT of Indian football ⚽️💪#MessiInIndia pic.twitter.com/k8P2hUoqvX
— Doordarshan Sports (@ddsportschannel) December 14, 2025
What Did This Moment Mean?
For Indian fans, it was more than a souvenir. It was a validation of Sunil Chhetri’s legacy and Indian football’s place on the global stage. The image of Messi, often called the Greatest of All Time (GOAT), honouring India’s highest goal-scorer transcended sport. It was a rare, wholesome intersection where global superstardom met deep national pride, creating an unforgettable chapter in India’s sporting history.
Immediate FAQs
Q: What did Messi give to Sunil Chhetri?
A: Sunil Chhetri received a signed Argentina national team jersey from Lionel Messi.
Q: Where did this presentation happen?
A: The gift was given out on stage at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium during Messi’s last leg of his India visit.
Q: Was the entire India tour smooth?
A: No, there were serious problems with crowd control at the first event in Kolkata. But the activities that followed in Hyderabad and Mumbai went off without a hitch.
Q: Did Messi play a match in India?
A: Messi did not participate in a competitive game. Celebrity football games, fan engagements, and exhibition activities were all part of the events.
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