Iconic gathering as Messi connects with Tendulkar and Chhetri during Indian visit

Football legend Lionel Messis second day in India unfolded without issues on Sunday following a turbulent start to his three day trip as the World Cup champion kicked footballs towards the audience and linked up with cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar.

Messi welcomed enthusiastic supporters wearing Argentina football kits at the bustling Wankhede Stadium in Mumbais commercial centre where fans repeatedly called out his name.

The 38 year old star from Argentina and Inter Miami stepped into the spotlight alongside Indias sports luminaries such as Tendulkar and footballer Sunil Chhetri.

Messi joined by Inter Miami colleagues Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul formed part of what is known as the GOAT Tour to a country passionate about cricket.

Cricket maestro Tendulkar gifted Messi his famous number 10 shirt from Indias 2011 World Cup victory at that location.

I have experienced some remarkable times here said the renowned batsman Tendulkar.

Mumbai stands as a hub of aspirations and countless aspirations have materialised right here at this ground without your backing we would not have witnessed those triumphant instances in 2011.

And now with all three sports giants present this truly marks a memorable occasion for Mumbai its residents and the entire nation.

While India dominates in cricket the population of 1.4 billion faces challenges in football ranking 142nd in the FIFA standings.

Thank you for your presence and for inspiring the youth added Tendulkar. I am optimistic that football in India will climb to the levels we all envision.

The Mumbai gathering proceeded orderly unlike the previous days event in the eastern city of Kolkata where intense security measures prevented many fans from seeing Messi.

Disappointed attendees many of whom spent over $100 on entry passes demolished barriers and rushed onto the field after the star suddenly departed the venue.

Viewers also damaged seating and threw water bottles towards the pitch.

Authorities have detained one individual involved in the disturbance.

Prior to the unrest Messi revealed a 21 metre (70 foot) sculpture depicting him lifting the World Cup trophy from 2022.

Later that Saturday the player visited Hyderabad where he spoke briefly to the assembly in Spanish.

Messi concludes his Indian journey on Monday potentially including a session with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This week the forward secured his second straight Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player honour after guiding Inter Miami to the MLS championship and topping the leagues goal scorers.

The ex Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain player will lead Argentinas effort to retain the World Cup in June July across North America.