Mumbai was placed at the centre of national attention on Sunday, December 14, as anticipation grew ahead of the arrival of Argentine football legend Lionel Messi for the city leg of his GOAT India Tour. A surge of public enthusiasm was observed across multiple locations, reflecting the footballer’s immense popularity and the scale of anticipation surrounding his visit.
Celebrations were marked by the blending of sport and tradition, as a Ganpati aarti was performed by fans in front of a poster of Lionel Messi. The ritual, traditionally associated with the commencement of auspicious occasions, was carried out as a symbolic welcome. Visuals of the event circulated widely on social media platforms, drawing attention to the cultural dimension of the celebrations.
Public spaces in south Mumbai were transformed into gathering points for supporters. Fans wearing FC Barcelona and Argentina jerseys were seen assembling at Nariman Point before proceeding toward Wankhede Stadium. The march was accompanied by chants of Messi’s name, flag-waving, and coordinated slogans, creating a festive atmosphere along the route. Earlier in the day, members of a local supporters’ group were reported to have turned a Mumbai local train into a moving celebration, decorated with banners and flags while chants were performed using traditional kirtan instruments.
According to event organisers, Lionel Messi was expected to arrive in Mumbai with Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo de Paul. It was stated that a brief halt at a south Mumbai hotel had been planned before appearances at multiple venues, including a Padel GOAT Club event at the Cricket Club of India, Brabourne Stadium. The main event was scheduled to take place at Wankhede Stadium, where Messi was set to engage directly with young footballers. An exclusive coaching clinic for 60 children, selected from emerging talent pools and equally divided between boys and girls, was planned. The programme was designed to include interactive penalty shootouts, a technical masterclass, and a musical concert celebrating the footballer’s career and achievements.
In view of the anticipated turnout, Mumbai Police were reported to have implemented extensive security and traffic arrangements. Restrictions were imposed on carrying items such as water bottles, metal objects, and coins into the venue. Watchtowers were installed to monitor crowd movement, and access was limited strictly to ticket holders. Police officials appealed to fans without valid tickets to avoid congregating near the stadium to prevent congestion and traffic disruption. It was emphasised that entry would be permitted only through gates specified on tickets. These precautionary steps were taken amid heightened vigilance, following reports of crowd unrest and management issues during Messi’s appearance in Kolkata a day earlier.