Kuldeep Yadav, the left-arm wrist spinner of the Indian cricket team, has been a massive fan of football, as he shares various videos of his favorite games on his Instagram stories. He has a keen interest in football and is a fan of the La Liga Club, FC Barcelona, for which the global footballer, Lionel Messi, used to play.

However, Lionel Messi remains no longer part of the club as he left it in August 2021 due to the financial issues and decided to join Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), playing for them until 2023 before moving to Inter Miami, as he spent the lion’s share of his legendary career of 21 years at Barcelona, becoming their all-time top scorer and winning several titles.

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In a video that has gone viral on social media platforms, Kuldeep Yadav was seen interacting with Messi during a photoshoot for Adidas. Some other footballers were also present in the group as the fans enjoyed the moment. It was also a special moment for the spinner of the Blue Brigade.

Kuldeep Yadav meets Lionel Messi in ADIDAS photo shoot

Kuldeep Yadav has been in fine touch in the shortest format for the Indian side, with the help of 90 wickets in 48 innings at an average of 13.17 and a strike rate of 11.5, with the help of three four-wicket hauls and two five-wicket hauls at the best bowling figures of 5/17 in an innings.

Watch the video here: 

Adidas really said "legends" Only 🐐
Kuldeep 🤝🏻 Messi pic.twitter.com/0YeMGOJH4T

— Rishabh (@iomrishabh) December 17, 2025

When it comes to the overall shortest format, Kuldeep has recorded 236 wickets in 180 innings at an average of 20.53 and a strike rate of 16.5 with the help of three fifers and eight four-wicket hauls at the best bowling figures of 5/17 in an innings. He will be a vital player for the national side in the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.

In the ongoing five-match T20I series at home against South Africa, Kuldeep featured in the third clash at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala, where they ended with figures of 2/12 as India took the lead by a 2-1 margin before the fourth game was abandoned due to dense fog.

Watch the video here:

Lionel Messi in Team India Jersey, Gifted by Mr Jay Shah. Wow. pic.twitter.com/12ztIFQNoc

— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) December 18, 2025

When star Indian batter, Virat Kohli, returned to India two days before the ‘GOAT India tour’ 2025 of the global footballer, Lionel Messi. Kohli was spotted with his Bollywood actor wife, Anushka Sharma, as the couple landed in Mumbai before they moved to Delhi on December 16 to spend some time with the family. Kohli returned to England after the end of the three-match ODI series against South Africa.

His return to the country sparked speculation over a possible meet-up with Messi, who arrived on December 13 in Kolkata before moving to Hyderabad in the evening. On the following day, the footballer made his way to the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, where he was in touch with Sachin Tendulkar, who gave him his Indian World Cup shirt.

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On December 15, Messi moved to the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, where he was gifted a special jersey by the former president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the current ICC chairman, Jay Shah, before meeting the young footballers and taking a picture with them.

Why did Virat Kohli not meet Lionel Messi in Delhi?

However, despite all the programs, Kohli didn’t turn up at the ground to meet Messi. This could be due to various reasons. He perhaps wasn’t invited to the event, or it could be the fact that Kohli is a huge fan and admirer of Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. He frequently praised his work ethic, discipline, and mental strength, calling him a major inspiration in his career.

Kohli was in exceptional form in the recent ODI series at home against South Africa. He celebrated centuries in the first couple of clashes in Ranchi and Raipur before smashing a fine unbeaten half-century in the third game at Vizag as India bagged the series victory by a 2-1 margin.

Kohli is expected to feature for Delhi in a couple of games of the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025/26 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Later, he will feature in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand early next year at home.

Lionel Messi's 'GOAT tour of India' came to an end through a star-studded programme at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Monday, December 15. During the event, ICC chairman Jay Shah presented the legendary footballer a special bat, autographed by some of the legends of Indian cricket, and an Indian cricket team jersey with his name and iconic no. 10 printed on the back.

Along with that, Messi received a ticket for the India vs USA match for the T20 World Cup 2026 trophy, which will be played next year during February-March. Messi's Inter Miami teammates, Rodrygo De Paul and Luis Suarez, also presented customised Indian jerseys.

Before the felicitation programme, the football maestro spent a significant amount of time in the venue. Messi, along with his teammates, received a warm reception at the jampacked Arun Jaitley Stadium. The football magician kicked some balls into the gallery and showed his dribbling skills as well.

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Jay Shah presented Lionel Messi some gifts in Delhi

लियोन मेसी को टी20 क्रिकेट विश्व कप की टिकट के साथ साइन किया हुआ बल्ला और क्रिकेट की जर्सी देते आइसीसी चेयरमैन जय शाह pic.twitter.com/UyDaOTMIZ2

— Abhishek Tripathi / अभिषेक त्रिपाठी (@abhishereporter) December 15, 2025

The Argentine footballer shared the pitch with a host of kids playing football. It was a lifetime achievement for those kids who were fortunate enough to share the same field with one of the best footballers of all time. The children, a mixed group of boys and girls, all wore the Argentina national jersey, while Messi sported a pink t-shirt.

During the felicitation programme, along with Shah, there were Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Rohan Jaitley, the president of the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA). On Sunday, Messi met with the Indian 'G.O.A.T.' footballer Sunil Chhetri, and in Delhi, he met with another Indian football legend, Bhaichung Bhutia. The former Indian footballer went to meet with Lionel Messi with his wife and daughter.

The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai was in full mood on December 14 as the global footballer, Lionel Messi, turned up in his ‘GOA India Tour’ 2025, where it was the second day of his three-day visit after making a trip to Kolkata and Hyderabad on the opening day. He had an event where he featured with the star cricketer, Sachin Tendulkar.

During the event, when DJ Chetas was playing the music, the entire ground started chanting, “India cha Raja Rohit Sharma’ as a tribute to their beloved Rohit Sharma, who has earned massive success with his skills around the globe and has done some fabulous things for the Indian cricket team. It was a heartwarming situation as the video went viral on social media platforms. 

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There was a massive police protection when the Footballer arrived in Mumbai as he met the famous Indian footballer, Sunil Chetri, besides getting a signed jersey from Tendulkar, which was a great moment for the fans of the Indian side. Messi also kicked the football to entertain the crowd.

Wankhede Stadium chants “India cha Raja Rohit Sharma” in viral video

Rohit Sharma has smashed a total of 11516 runs in 271 innings of the 50-over format at an average of just under 50 and a strike rate of 92.85 with the help of 61 half-centuries and 33 centuries at the best score of 264 runs at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Rohit has also clubbed 4231 runs at a strike rate of 140.89 with five centuries and 32 fifties.

Watch the video here: 

"India cha Raja Rohit Sharma” fans chanting at Wankhede Stadium while Messi’s event was going on.🥵🔥

Unreal Aura of boss @ImRo45🐐 pic.twitter.com/T9BxYFmzlR

— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) December 14, 2025

Rohit, who has retired from the shortest and longest formats of the game, returned with some decent performance during the away Australia series, where he smashed a fine half-century in Adelaide and remained unbeaten on a century during the third game in Sydney. He continued the same dominance in the home South Africa series.

The Nagpur-born is expected to feature in a couple of games for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025/26 before returning for the national side in the home three-match series against New Zealand earlier next year.

The 'City of Dreams', Mumbai, gets another chapter in its illustrious history. Lionel Messi shared the same stage with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. During the interaction, Tendulkar presented Messi with a No. 10 jersey signed by him. In a return gesture, the Argentine legend gifted Sachin a football.

The live event in the middle of the Wankhede Stadium was a special occasion for Tendulkar, as in his venue, team India lifted the World Cup trophy after a long wait in 2011. He drew a parallel between Messi’s presence at the venue and India’s 2011 Cricket World Cup triumph; both are icons for the city as well as for the country, Sachin said.

Addressing the crowd, the former Indian cricketer said, "I have spent some incredible moments here. Mumbai is a City of Dreams, and a number of dreams have seen a finishing line at this venue. Without your support, we would have never been able to see those golden moments in 2011 (in the Cricket World Cup win)."

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Watch the moment when Sachin Tendulkar gifted Lionel Messi his signed jersey

VIDEO FOR THE AGES - SACHIN TENDULKAR AND LEO MESSI ON THE SAME STAGE. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/mnV1KP4pZj

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 14, 2025

Speaking about Lionel Messi, Tendulkar said that the footballer has achieved everything football can offer a player. He highlighted the fact that Messi achieved all this because of his dedication and commitment to the game.

"Having all three of them (Messi, Suarez and Paul) here is a golden moment for Mumbai and India. When it comes to Leo, it would not be the right platform to speak. What could anyone talk about him? He has achieved everything; we admire his dedication and commitment. He is loved so much for his humility and who he is. On behalf of all of us, I would like to wish his family the very best in health. Thank you for being here. Hope Indian football reaches the heights we aspire to," Tendulkar added.

After his first day of the ‘GOAT India Tour’ 2025, where he made the trip from Kolkata and Hyderabad, the global star footballer, Lionel Messi, arrived in Mumbai amidst the growing fan gathering outside the Wankhede Stadium, where he is expected to meet the star cricketer, Sachin Tendulkar, before playing a few kicks in a friendly contest.

The gates of the Wankhede Stadium will open at 1:15 in the afternoon, and the organizers have made a long build-up aimed at keeping the fans through the musical function. DJ Chetas will take the stage after the local DJ entertains them for a few minutes. The on-field program will get full momentum with an All-Star 7vs7 football game.

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There was massive police protection when Messi arrived in Mumbai. He is anticipated to enter the stadium at around 5:37 in the afternoon. Following his arrival, he is scheduled to take selfies with the celebrities. He will also interact with 60 children- 30 boys and 30 girls- as a part of the Maharashtra government’s project.

Lionel Messi to play football with Sachin Tendulkar

Messi will take a lap of the ground before moving to the field, where he will be joined by the Indian football star, Sunil Chhetri, and the cricketing legend, Sachin Tendulkar, for a football and cricket-ball exchange program around 6:40 in the evening. He is also expected to be greeted by the Bollywood stars Kareena Kapoor, John Abraham, and Jackie Shroff.

Watch the video here: 

#WATCH | Maharashtra: Argentine footballer Lionel Messi arrives at the Taj Hotel in Mumbai.

Lionel Messi is in Mumbai for his G.O.A.T. Tour India 2025. pic.twitter.com/SYo8FeUvRW

— ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2025

The stage will later see the representatives of the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) present the trophy of the winning all-stars team before being invited to have a few words to the audience, which will bring the on-field proceedings to a close.

Later, Messi will fly to Delhi on December 15, which will be the last day of his three-day tour to India. There is a growing speculation of the footballer meeting Virat Kohli, who has arrived in India with his family on December 14. Messi is also expected to meet the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in Delhi.

The global football superstar, Lionel Messi, will be in Mumbai on December 14 as part of the ‘GOAT India Tour’, following his appearances in Kolkata and Hyderabad on the opening day. The 38-year-old is expected to arrive at the Wankhede Stadium at around 5:35 in the evening, with a full house set to get the golden blue moon opportunity to see the icon live.

The gates  of the Wankhede Stadium will open around 1:15 in the afternoon, and the organizers have planned a long build-up aimed at keeping the fans through music. The local DJ will have an early program, followed by F Chetas, as the stadium will gradually get filled ahead of Messi’s arrival. The on-field program will get full momentum in the evening with an All-Star 7vs7 football game across the two surfaces.

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Messi is expected to enter the stadium at around 5:37 pm. Following his arrival, he is expected to take part in a selfie zone with the celebrities, along with taking penalty kicks. He will also interact with 60 children- 30 boys and 30 girls- as part of the Maharashtra government’s project.

Lionel Messi to play football with Sachin Tendulkar at this time

Messi is scheduled to take a lap of the ground before moving to the field of play, where he will be joined by the Indian football icon, Sunil Chhetri, and cricket legend, Sachin Tendulkar, for a football and cricket-bat exchange program around 6:40 in the evening. Kareena Kapoor, John Abraham, and Jackie Shroff are expected to be part of the function.

The stage proceedings will include the representatives of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), as part of the event. The footballer is anticipated to present the trophy to the winning All Stars team before being invited to say a few words to the audience, bringing the on-field proceedings to a close.

For many stands, Sunday will give a chance to watch the footballers up close, with the young players being involved. The Argentine will travel to Delhi on Monday for the final leg of the tour, where he will meet the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.  

Virat Kohli was in India a week ago when he featured in the three-match ODI series at home against South Africa that the blue brigade went on to win by a 2-1 margin. The right-handed batter smashed a fine knock of 302 runs in three innings at an average of over 100 with the help of two centuries and one half-century.

Kohli has returned to India with his wife, the famous Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma. On December 13, they were seen together at the Mumbai airport before they made their trip to Delhi on the following day. There are speculations of Kohli meeting the famous global footballer, Lionel Messi, who has arrived in India for a three-day stay.

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Messi arrived early in the morning at around 2 on December 13 in Kolkata, where he experienced a massive crowd at the Salt Lake Stadium before making his trip to Hyderabad in the evening. On December 14, he will move to the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai to have a friendly football game with Sachin Tendulkar before going to Delhi tomorrow.

Virat Kohli arrives in Delhi amidst speculation of meeting Lionel Messi

Kohli is expected to start his preparation for the beginning of the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025/26, where he will feature in a couple of games for the Delhi side at the M. Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium, as the head of the Delhi District and Cricket Association (DDCA) confirmed. Rishabh Pant is also expected to feature in the same game.

Watch the video here: 

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma at Delhi Airport🥹🏡🤍 pic.twitter.com/gbifHptnVR

— 𝙒𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙣🥂 (@wrognxvirat) December 14, 2025

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made it mandatory for the national players to play in the domestic games if they are not part of the international clash. Kohli will look to gain the momentum in those games before featuring in the upcoming three-match ODI series at home against New Zealand next year.

Kohli, who has already retired from the T20Is and Tests, focuses only on the upcoming ODI World Cup 2027. After a poor start to his away series, he managed two ducks in the first couple of games. But since then, in the last four ODI innings, he has two unbeaten fifties and as many centuries.

Thousands of football fans gathered at the Kolkata airport early in the morning on December 13 to get a glimpse of their idol, the iconic footballer, Lionel Messi. Later, they turned up at the Salt Lake Stadium to see the superstar. But what could have been a blue moon opportunity to witness the GOAT it turned out to be a nightmare. His presence didn’t allow the people to see the footballer despite paying INR 14000 per ticket.

The former Indian batter and the captain of the Bengal cricket team, Manoj Tiwary, has reacted to the ruckus caused at the same ground. He put a post on his Instagram account where he highlighted that the organizer, Satadru, had already been arrested as he asked for more action from the police authority. 

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“I am speechless about what happened today in my city! This is shambolic! I, being an international sportsperson, can feel how embarrassing it was for Messi today. We all love him, and the craze was well anticipated! Organizer Satadru has already been arrested, and I thank the police department for the prompt action.”

Manoj Tiwary reacts to Salt Lake Stadium's haphazard setup for Lionel Messi turning up

Messi, an icon for the millions of football fans across the world, arrived in India after nearly 14 years. Kolkata was his first stop on the three-day-long India tour. After unveiling a statue of himself in the city, he reached the stadium, where thousands of fans gathered.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MANOJ TIWARY (@mannirocks14)

“The way Satadru played with the hard-earned money and emotion of the football-loving people of Bengal today at the Salt Lake Stadium deserves an alarming punishment. Another case of False promise and complete mismanagement by Satadru! Thankfully, I was not present today.” Tiwary penned down in the same post.

“I always doubted whether he had the credibility of pulling off an event like this in Kolkata. A legend like Leo Messi deserved better. I am sure the Government will take strict action against Satadru and the management. Kolkata didn’t deserve this!” The former player concluded.

It was just a few days ago when Virat Kohli left India to return to the United Kingdom to spend some time with his family post the end of the three-match ODI series against South Africa at home. The right-handed batter was in tremendous touch with the bat, scoring 302 runs in three innings at an average of over 100, thanks to two centuries and one unbeaten half-century. 

On December 13, Virat Kohli returned to Mumbai with his wife, the famous Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, as they were spotted outside the airport, with the video going viral on social media platforms. Many have started to speculate whether the Delhi batter has arrived to meet the star Footballer, Lionel Messi, who arrived in India after 14 years in his three-day stay in this country.

See Also: “Shouldn’t be double standards…”- Former India star suggests dropping Shubman Gill in IND vs SA 3rd T20I

Messi arrived early in the morning at 2 on December 13 in Kolkata before he went through the Salt Lake Stadium, where he stayed for around 20 minutes amidst the lakhs of fans, who came to see their idol and favorite player. The legendary footballer left Kolkata in the afternoon before arriving in Hyderabad.

Virat Kohli arrives in Mumbai amidst speculation of meeting Lionel Messi

However, it’s not that Kohli has returned India to meet Messi. The former Indian captain is expected to start his preparation for the start of the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025/26, where he will feature in a couple of games for the Delhi side at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, as the Delhi District and Cricket Association confirmed. 

Watch the video here: 

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma snapped at the Private Airport, Mumbai🥹🫶🏻 pic.twitter.com/X0nxSJOVFr

— 𝙒𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙣🥂 (@wrognxvirat) December 13, 2025

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made it mandatory for the national players to feature in the domestic games if they are not playing for India, and that’s the same thing that has happened with Kohli who will now need to go through those couple of games of the VHT before featuring in the upcoming three-match New Zealand series earlier next year.

Kohli was not in great touch during the previous away series against Australia, where he managed two ducks before getting an unbeaten half-century in Sydney. But he silenced the doubts with the fabulous South Africa series to keep voting for his place in the 2027 ODI World Cup.