The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Football star Lionel Messi met Indian sporting icons Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Chhetri on Sunday during the second day of his India tour, an event described by organizers as a “golden moment” for the country’s sports fans.
Messi appeared before thousands of supporters at Mumbai’s
Wankhede Stadium, where fans wearing Argentina jerseys chanted his name as he
kicked balls into the crowd. The 38-year-old Argentina captain and Inter Miami
forward was joined by cricket legend Tendulkar and Indian football star
Chhetri, marking a rare gathering of some of the country’s most celebrated
athletes alongside the World Cup winner.
Tendulkar presented Messi with India’s iconic No. 10 jersey
from the 2011 Cricket World Cup, which India won at the same venue. Tendulkar
praised Messi’s presence in India and said the occasion was a memorable moment
for Mumbai and the country, expressing hope that football in India would
continue to grow.
Messi is touring India with Inter Miami teammates Luis
Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul as part of what organizers have called a “GOAT Tour”
in the cricket-dominated nation. While cricket remains India’s most popular
sport, the country is ranked 142nd in the FIFA world rankings in football.
Sunday’s event passed without incident, in contrast to
Saturday’s appearance in Kolkata, where heavy security and crowd control issues
led to chaos. Fans broke through barricades, stormed the pitch and threw water
bottles after Messi left the venue early. At least one person was arrested,
according to local reports.
Earlier on Saturday, Messi unveiled a 21-meter statue
depicting him lifting the 2022 World Cup trophy and later addressed fans
briefly in the city of Hyderabad.
Messi is expected to conclude his three-day India tour on
Monday, with a possible meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The
Argentine star recently won his second consecutive MLS Most Valuable Player
award after leading Inter Miami to the league title and top scoring honors.
He is also set to captain Argentina in its World Cup title
defense in June and July in North America.
