Lionel Messi is likely to take guard with Dhoni & Kohli in celebrity cricket match at Wankhede
August 1, 2025:
In what could be one of the most unusual sporting events in Indian history, football legend Lionel Messi is set to participate in a celebrity exhibition cricket match at Mumbai’s famed Wankhede Stadium on December 14. Sources suggest that this special event might feature Indian cricket stars MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and possibly Sachin Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma sharing the field with the Argentine icon.
An event management agency has already contacted the Mumbai Cricket Association to book the stadium for this match. While full details are not finalized, early reports confirm that Messi will be there and may take part in a 7-a-side match that combines football skills with cricket tactics.
Messi’s visit to India, scheduled for December 13 to 15, is expected to include stops in Mumbai, New Delhi, and Kolkata as part of a promotional tour. This will be his second trip to India, following a memorable friendly football match in Kolkata in 2011. The idea of seeing him bat—or at least take a stance—next to cricket legends has excited fans on social media.
Earlier reports focused on possible football matches, but this cricket event adds a new layer of excitement. If confirmed, it will give fans a chance to see Messi enter India’s favorite sport, sharing the field with players he admires in a unique moment.
What Makes It Special
- Unlikely crossover: A football superstar holding a cricket bat at Wankhede.
- Star-studded cast: Dhoni, Kohli, and maybe Tendulkar and Rohit participating in an exhibition game.
- Fan frenzy: A global audience excited about the bond between sports legends and Indian cricket fans.
- Cultural moment: Messi reconnecting with India’s love for sports, beyond football.