Argentina`s legendary footballer Lionel Messi met cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai as a part of the “GOAT India Tour”.
Following Messi`s visit, Tendulkar termed it a golden moment for Mumbai and India.
Speaking at the event, the former cricketer said that without the Wankhede Stadium`s crowd, the ODI World Cup triumph in 2011 would not have been impossible.
“I have spent some incredible moments here. As we call it, Mumbai is a city of dreams. And a number of dreams have seen the finish line here on this very venue. And without your support, we would never have seen those golden moments on this ground in 2011,” he said.
“And today, having all three of them here is indeed a golden moment for Mumbai, Mumbaikars and India. The way you have received all three greats of the game has truly been remarkable,” added Tendulkar.
Further, the former cricketer also said that Messi has achieved everything in his sport, and everybody admires him for his dedication and commitment.
“When it comes to Leo, if I have to speak about his game, it wouldn`t be the right platform. And you know, what does one talk about him? He has achieved everything. We really admire his dedication, determination, commitment. And above all, his humility, the person that he is. And on behalf of Mumbaikars and Indians, I would like to wish him and his family the very best of health and happiness to all of you. Thank you once again for being here and encouraging youngsters,” said the 52-year-old former cricketer.
The Mumbai-born cricketer also presented his No 10 jersey to Messi with his signature on it. The Argentine World Cup-winning captain reciprocated with a football.
Messi arrived in Mumbai around noon under “World Cup-level” security measures, marking the second day of his four-city “GOAT India Tour”.
He will wind up his visit on Monday in New Delhi, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Messi had arrived in India in the wee hours of Saturday, but the opening leg of the tour in Kolkata quickly descended into chaos later in the day due to poor crowd management and security lapses.
However, his evening programme in the Hyderabad leg stood in stark contrast to the mayhem in Kolkata, proceeding smoothly and concluding on a positive note.
(With PTI Inputs)
