Lionel Messi's GOAT Tour in Mumbai: Young Footballers to Meet the Legend at Wankhede Stadium

Lionel Messi's GOAT Tour continues with its second leg in Mumbai, where the football legend will highlight Project Mahadeva, a grassroots initiative designed to develop football talent across Maharashtra. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will be present at the Wankhede Stadium during Messi's interaction with young aspiring footballers.

Young footballers under 13 years of age from throughout Maharashtra will have the extraordinary opportunity to meet with Messi on Sunday at the Wankhede Stadium. These children have earned this chance through an extensive selection process involving district trials, regional competitions, and a final selection camp.

The selected young athletes will receive a comprehensive five-year scholarship providing professional soccer coaching, nutritional guidance, academic assistance, equipment support, and mental conditioning. This program aims to prepare the next generation of footballers capable of competing at international standards.

To ensure effective implementation at the grassroots level, a Memorandum of Understanding has been established between multiple organizations including the state School Education Department, Sports and Youth Welfare Department, Maharashtra Institute for Transformation (MITRA), Western India Football Association (WIFA), and Village Social Transformation Foundation (VSTF).

Messi's tour encompasses four major Indian cities - Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi - with a packed schedule of events. Unfortunately, the tour's main organizer, Satadru Dutta, has been arrested and placed in police custody following chaotic scenes at Kolkata's Salt Lake stadium, where disappointed fans vandalized the venue after being unable to see the football star.

Arriving in Mumbai on Sunday morning directly from Hyderabad following a successful event there, Messi's Mumbai itinerary includes participating in a Padel tournament at the prestigious Cricket Club of India, where cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar is expected to attend.

Later, at 5 pm, Messi will participate in the GOAT Cup Exhibition Match at Wankhede Stadium. The event will feature numerous celebrities at the kick-off ceremony, with many expected to join in a 7v7 match.

Additionally, Messi will attend a charity fashion show featuring an auction of his Qatar 2022 memorabilia. Several Bollywood personalities including Jackie Shroff, John Abraham, and Kareena Kapoor Khan are scheduled to attend this special event.