[WATCH]- Messi Receives 2011 World Cup Jersey During Mumbai Visit

Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar presented football superstar Lionel Messi with his 2011 World Cup–winning jersey during the latter’s GOAT India tour. As part of the tour, Messi visited Mumbai and arrived at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, December 14.

The Argentina captain, who lifted the FIFA World Cup in 2022 and is an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, made a stop in Mumbai after earlier visits to Kolkata and Hyderabad. During their meeting, Tendulkar handed over his autographed 2011 World Cup jersey to Messi.

The two legends posed for photographs, sharing warm smiles, as fans at the Wankhede broke into loud chants of “Sachin.” Tendulkar was dressed in a black shirt paired with white trousers and sunglasses, while Messi opted for a simple white shirt. You can watch the video here:

VIDEO | Maharashtra: Amid loud cheers, Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar gifts Argentine football icon Lionel Messi the 2011 World Cup jersey, calling it a golden moment for Mumbai and India.

(Source: Third Party)

(Full VIDEO available on PTI Videos –… pic.twitter.com/GKIqReBoqa

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 14, 2025

In addition, Lionel Messi gifted his Argentina jersey to Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri, who was in attendance at the Wankhede Stadium for the occasion. Messi also entertained the crowd by converting an exhibition penalty and sending the ball into the stands at the historic venue.

The atmosphere turned electric as he walked around the ground, acknowledging the fans with waves, many of whom were seen sporting Argentina jerseys in the stands. Messi was accompanied by Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul at the Wankhede as part of his GOAT India tour.

Lionel Messi Unveils Project Maha-Deva

While at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, Lionel Messi officially inaugurated the Maharashtra Government’s Project Maha-Deva, a grassroots football initiative. This five-year program, backed by the state, aims to transform the way young football talent is identified and nurtured. The project will introduce a structured training model to prepare players for international opportunities.

Its execution will involve multiple stakeholders: the Western India Football Association will provide technical guidance, scouting, and assessments; MITRA and VSTF will offer administrative and academic support; CIDCO will manage infrastructure; and the Department of Sports will oversee coordination and policy implementation.

Project Maha-Deva will scout promising footballers across the state and provide them with access to training at FIFA-accredited academies, helping build a clear pathway for aspiring athletes.

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