Lionel Messi Set to Play Cricket in Mumbai with Indian Legends

Lionel Messi is poised to make a unique appearance in a cricket match at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on December 14, where he may face off against Indian cricket legends such as MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. This event marks Messi's second visit to India, following his first in 2011. The match promises to be a historic crossover moment for sports fans, blending football and cricket in an unprecedented way. As Messi continues his career with Inter Miami, this exhibition match adds an exciting chapter to his legacy.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 1, 2025, 14:18 IST

Messi's Unique Cricket Crossover

Lionel Messi may soon swap his football boots for cricket spikes, stepping onto a cricket field for a special event. Fans are eagerly anticipating a remarkable moment as the Argentine superstar is expected to participate in a seven-a-side exhibition cricket match at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on December 14.

Reports suggest that Messi could face off against some of India's cricketing greats, including MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. There are also rumors of Sachin Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma possibly joining this extraordinary sporting event.

As per information obtained by a prominent news outlet, a well-known event management company has reached out to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to reserve the stadium for this date. “Messi will be at Wankhede on December 14. He is expected to play in a cricket match alongside former and current Indian cricketers. The organizers will provide complete details once everything is finalized,” a source from the MCA revealed.

Messi's trip to India, planned from December 13 to 15, will also include visits to New Delhi and Kolkata as part of a promotional tour. This will be his second visit to India, the first being in 2011, when he played for Argentina in a friendly match against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium.

Earlier, there was excitement about the Argentina national football team, including Messi, potentially playing friendly matches in India this October. Kerala’s Sports Minister, V. Abdurahiman, even announced a partnership with the Argentina Football Association (AFA) to host two matches in the state. However, those plans seem to have been postponed for now.

At the age of 38, Messi continues to perform at a high level, currently representing Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS). He is also aiming for one last appearance at the FIFA World Cup in 2026, with hopes of defending the title he helped Argentina secure in 2022.

If the cricket match in Mumbai takes place, it would create a once-in-a-lifetime experience for sports enthusiasts: Lionel Messi sharing a cricket pitch with Indian legends under the lights of Wankhede.