Sachin Tendulkar meets Lionel Messi at Wankhede, gifts iconic No. 10 jersey

Indian sporting history witnessed a rare and unforgettable moment as Sachin Tendulkar and Lionel Messi came face to face at the Wankhede Stadium during the Argentine superstar’s ongoing GOAT India Tour 2025. The meeting brought together two global icons whose No. 10 jerseys have come to symbolise greatness across generations and sports.

In a gesture that resonated deeply with fans, Tendulkar presented Messi with his iconic No. 10 India jersey, marking a moment that seamlessly bridged cricket and football at one of India’s most historic venues.

A historic exchange at an iconic venue

The Wankhede Stadium, closely associated with Tendulkar’s legendary career and India’s 2011 Cricket World Cup triumph, provided the perfect setting for the landmark interaction. As Messi walked onto the field to thunderous applause, the crowd witnessed a rare crossover of sporting excellence.

The jersey exchange between the two legends became the emotional highlight of the evening, symbolising mutual respect, legacy, and the universal language of sport.

Why Lionel Messi is in India

Messi is visiting the country as part of the GOAT India Tour 2025, a multi-city engagement aimed at connecting the football icon with Indian fans. The tour includes appearances in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, featuring fan events, football interactions, and promotional activities designed to grow the sport’s footprint in India.

The tour marks Messi’s most high-profile visit to the country and has drawn massive attention from fans, media, and the sporting community alike.

Mumbai leg becomes tour highlight

While earlier stops on the tour saw mixed responses due to logistical challenges, the Mumbai leg stood out for its execution and emotional impact. Alongside Tendulkar, Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri was also present, reinforcing the celebration of sport beyond boundaries.

Messi interacted with young footballers, acknowledged fans, and even held the Indian national flag, a moment that quickly went viral across social media platforms.

Tendulkar calls it a “Golden Moment”

Speaking on the occasion, Sachin Tendulkar described Messi’s visit as a “golden moment for Indian sports fans”, highlighting the joy of welcoming one of football’s greatest players to a venue so close to Indian cricketing history.

For many, the sight of Tendulkar and Messi together at Wankhede was more than a meeting — it was a meeting of eras, excellence, and enduring legacy.

A moment that transcended sport

The Tendulkar–Messi meeting was not just a ceremonial exchange but a powerful reminder of how sport connects cultures, generations, and passions. Two No. 10s, two legends, and one historic evening at Wankhede created a memory that will be cherished by fans of both cricket and football for years to come.

As the GOAT India Tour continues toward its final leg in New Delhi, the Mumbai chapter has already etched itself as one of the most iconic moments of the visit.

Cover Credits - NDTV Sports