Messi’s mega Mumbai evening: From probable face-off with Sachin Tendulkar to gala event at Wankhede — itinerary

After drawing enthusiastic crowds in Hyderabad, the Lionel Messi G.O.A.T. Tour is set to arrive in Mumbai, where the city is preparing an elaborate welcome for the Argentine football legend. The financial capital will host the next leg of the tour today (Sunday, December 14), with a series of high-profile events combining sport, culture and philanthropy.

Messi reportedly landed in Mumbai on Sunday morning following his commitments in Hyderabad. His schedule will begin with an appearance at the Padel GOAT Cup at the prestigious Cricket Club of India (CCI), where he is set to take part in exhibition activities. One of the major attractions of the day will be the likely participation of Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, who is expected to share the padel court with Messi, drawing considerable attention from fans across sporting disciplines.

Later in the day, celebrations will move to the iconic Wankhede Stadium, which will serve as the centrepiece of the Mumbai leg. Gates are expected to open roughly three hours before the main programme, which is scheduled to begin around 5 pm. The evening is designed as a grand spectacle, culminating in a charity fashion show accompanied by live Spanish music performances, reflecting a fusion of global football culture with local entertainment.

Charitable initiatives form a key component of the Mumbai stop. Organisers have planned an auction of memorabilia linked to Argentina’s triumphant 2022 World Cup campaign, with proceeds earmarked for various social causes. In addition, youth development programmes such as Project Mahadeva will be highlighted, offering coaching opportunities to 60 young players as part of a broader effort to nurture grassroots football talent in India.

Messi will not be alone during his Mumbai visit. Long-time teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul are accompanying him throughout the tour, adding to the star power of the event. The guest list is also expected to include several prominent Indian personalities. Former India football captain Sunil Chhetri is expected to be present, while Bollywood actors John Abraham, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Jackie Shroff are among the film stars tipped to attend. Leading figures from cricket and other sporting fields are also expected to feature.

With sport, celebrity and charity converging at one of India’s most famous sporting venues, the Mumbai leg of the G.O.A.T. Tour promises to be a landmark occasion in the city’s sporting calendar. (With inputs from Agencies)