Mumbai Sends a Message to Kolkata: Messi Delights in a Night with True GOAT Fans

Messi Wows Mumbai Crowd in Smooth GOAT Tour Event, Fadnavis Calls Them the ‘Real GOAT Crowd’

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis praised Mumbai fans on social media after the successful completion of the GOAT Tour at Wankhede Stadium on December 14. “Thank you Mumbai, you are the real G.O.A.T crowd!” he tweeted, highlighting the city’s discipline and enthusiasm during the event featuring Lionel Messi, Sunil Chhetri, and Sachin Tendulkar.

The evening celebrated Messi, one of the greatest footballers of all time, in front of a respectful and energetic audience. Unlike the chaotic event in Kolkata, where fans vandalised the Salt Lake Stadium, the Mumbai crowd allowed Messi to interact seamlessly—playing passes with children, taking part in a friendly penalty shootout, and exchanging jerseys with Chhetri and Tendulkar. Fans cheered throughout, making the night memorable for all the right reasons.

Fadnavis appeared to subtly contrast Mumbai’s smooth event with the Kolkata incident, where frustration over limited access to Messi led to fans breaking gates, toppling barricades, and damaging seats. Following the unrest, the Kolkata appearance was cut short, and the chief organiser, Satadru Dutta, was later arrested for negligence in security arrangements.

During the Mumbai event, Fadnavis announced Project Mahadev, a grassroots football initiative, but faced boos from a section of the audience. Demonstrating quick composure, he rallied the crowd with a “Ganapati Bappa Morya” chant, easing tensions and ensuring the event concluded smoothly.

Messi is now scheduled to fly to New Delhi on Monday, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attend another event at Arun Jaitley Stadium as part of his ongoing India tour.