Table of Contents
The Big Story
Lionel Messi is reportedly set to visit Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium on December 14, 2025, as part of a promotional India tour running from December 13–15. Organizers have applied to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to reserve the venue for a seven-a-side exhibition match, and sources suggest Messi could share the field with cricket icons like Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, and Rohit Sharma.
📅 Tour Snapshot
| Date | City | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 13–15, 2025 | Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai | Promotional events & football clinics |
| Dec 14, 2025 | Mumbai | Ticketed exhibition match at Wankhede |
Also on the agenda: Messi may be felicitated at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, conduct football workshops, and lend his name to a youth tournament titled the “GOAT CUP.”
🎯 Why This Matters
A rare cross-sport event: Messi wielding a bat alongside Indian cricket legends would be a truly unique sporting crossover.
Mass appeal: Beyond football, the event could capture India’s cricket-crazy imagination, boosting global visibility.
Brand synergy: Cricket and football worlds blend, amplifying Messi’s brand and fan reach in India.
⚡ What to Expect if It Happens
Seven-a-side format: Ensures casual, fast-paced fun—ideal for televised spectacle and fan engagement.
Celebrity batting vs. pace: Picture Messi up against known bowlers—an amusing match-up.
Celebrity line-ups: Kohli, Dhoni, Tendulkar, Sharma—legends from different eras—paired with Messi, make it a marquee gathering.
🚧 Points of Uncertainty
Final logistics pending: MCA has confirmed the date reservation but match format and full roster are still unconfirmed.
Player availability: Rohit Sharma and Tendulkar reportedly reside in Mumbai and may attend depending on schedules; Dhoni and Kohli’s involvement remains unofficial.
Ticketing & public access: A ticketed event is planned, but pricing and availability have not yet been announced.
🎥 Imagining the Fan Moment
Opening shot: Messi walks to the pitch in Wankhede’s floodlights, bat in hand—cricket fans roar.
Key moments: Messi facing a classic spinner or a bail-out delivery; Kohli charging in to bowl; Dhoni behind the stumps reacting comically.
Media gold: Social media quips, memes, and viral clips—Messi crossing sports boundaries in real time.
✅ Final Whistle
While not officially confirmed, consistent reports suggest Messi’s December 14 appearance at Wankhede will be part of a spectacular exhibition featuring India’s cricket royalty. If realized, this could become one of 2025’s most iconic sporting crossovers—a celebration of two sporting cultures through fun, fame, and flair.
