Anticipation is soaring among Indian sports fans following the Saturday return of cricket icon Virat Kohli to Mumbai, fresh from the three-match ODI series against South Africa. Kohli, accompanied by his wife, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, was spotted at the Mumbai airport, instantly fueling speculation of a potential, high-profile meeting with football superstar Lionel Messi.
Kohli’s Return Coincides with Messi’s Arrival
Kohli, who had travelled to London after the conclusion of the ODI series, arrived back just hours before Messi is scheduled to touch down in Mumbai for the third leg of his GOAT India Tour 2025.
- Airport Sighting: Upon exiting the airport, Kohli acknowledged the paparazzi with a wave, though Anushka Sharma maintained a stoic expression as the couple headed straight to their waiting car.
- Messi’s Mumbai Itinerary: Messi’s travel schedule confirms he will arrive in Mumbai on Sunday, December 14. His day is packed with engagements, including a charity fashion show where his Qatar 2022 memorabilia will be auctioned, with proceeds directed to charitable causes.
- Celebrity Sports Events: Following the fashion event, the Cricket Club of India (CCI) will host a padel match featuring cricket legends, including Sachin Tendulkar. A celebrity football match featuring leading Bollywood stars is also slated to take place.
Netizens are now abuzz with excitement, predicting that Kohli, a known football enthusiast, will make his presence felt at the Mumbai events to meet Messi, creating a “crossover for the ages.”
Chaos Mars Start of GOAT Tour in Kolkata
While anticipation builds in Mumbai, Messi’s India tour began on a negative note in Kolkata.
- Mismanagement and Vandalism: The event at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium was marked by chaos and mismanagement. During Messi’s 15-minute stay, fans who had paid fees ranging from INR 4,500 to INR 12,000 for tickets failed to get a clear glimpse of the Argentine superstar, as he was continuously surrounded by VVIPs.
- Organiser Arrested: The frustration boiled over, leading fans to hurl water bottles and engage in vandalism, breaking chairs and making their way to the center of the venue. The turmoil led to the organiser, Shatadru Dutta, being arrested by the Kolkata police at the airport.
Soon after leaving the chaotic stadium, Messi made his way to the airport to travel to Hyderabad for the second leg of his tour. The Messi India GOAT tour will conclude on Monday, December 15, with the final stop being the national capital, Delhi.