"Argentine football icon Lionel Messi arrived in Mumbai on Sunday as part of his 'GOAT India Tour 2025', drawing large crowds of fans eager to catch a glimpse of the World Cup-winning star. Footage filmed on Sunday shows fans gathering outside Wankhede Stadium, many wearing football jerseys bearing Messi’s name and chanting as they waited for the Argentine forward to appear. The 38-year-old touched down earlier in the day alongside Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul, following earlier stops in Kolkata and Hyderabad. During his Mumbai visit, Messi presented an official 2026 FIFA World Cup ball to legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, widely regarded as the 'God of Cricket'. “Messi is a God of football. It will take a long time for another player to reach his level. He is the only God in football,” one fan said. “Messi is a player you can’t help but fall in love with. His playing style captivates everyone. The world knows who Messi is," added a second. "While cricket remains immensely popular, more people are now following football, and Messi has fans all around the globe." The Mumbai event marked the third leg of Messi’s India tour, which is set to conclude in New Delhi. Earlier in the programme, Messi interacted with fans by tossing footballs into the stands, spent time with former India captain Sunil Chhetri, met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and shared a high-profile moment with Tendulkar."