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Cricket and football fans in India may be in for a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle this winter. Argentine football legend Lionel Messi , widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, is likely to swap his football boots for cricket gear as part of a seven-a-side cricket match at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on December 14.
The match could see Messi share the field with some of India’s biggest cricket icons, including MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma. If finalised, the event promises to be a historic crossover of two of the world’s most popular sports.
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The Plan for the Big Match
According to sources within the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), an event management agency has requested the Wankhede Stadium for December 14 as part of Messi’s upcoming promotional visit to India.
“Messi will be at Wankhede Stadium on December 14. He is likely to play a cricket match, too, with former and current cricketers. The organisers will come up with a complete schedule once everything is finalised,” a senior MCA official told The Indian Express.
Efforts are currently underway to finalise logistics, format, and participating players. The match is expected to be a seven-a-side cricket game that will combine entertainment with charity initiatives.
Who Could Play Alongside Messi?
If everything goes as planned, fans could see MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Sachin Tendulkar take the field alongside Messi. Other current and former cricketers may also join the event, potentially making it one of the most star-studded sports gatherings in recent years.
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Messi’s Visit to India
Messi’s India tour is expected to run from December 13 to 15, during which he will also visit New Delhi and Kolkata. This will mark his second visit to India in 14 years.
Messi last played in India in 2011, when he captained Argentina in a friendly match against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. That game, which Argentina won 1-0, remains etched in the memories of Indian football fans.
Earlier this year, Kerala’s Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman announced that Argentina’s national football team would play friendlies in India in October. However, the plan was reportedly put on hold due to scheduling and logistical challenges.
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A Rare Cricket-Football Crossover
This potential match at Wankhede is not just a sporting event but a celebration of global sports culture. Messi, a lifelong footballer, would get to try his hand at cricket—a sport that enjoys an almost religious following in India.
For Indian fans, the prospect of seeing Messi bat or bowl against legends like Dhoni and Kohli offers an unparalleled moment of sporting history.
Such crossovers have occasionally occurred in global sports, but this event could rival some of the most iconic celebrity matches ever held, thanks to the sheer magnitude of star power involved.
Organisers’ Plans and Event Format
While the final lineup is yet to be confirmed, organisers are believed to be planning a fast-paced seven-a-side format with shortened overs, aimed at maximising entertainment.
The event will likely be accompanied by promotional activities and fan engagement sessions. There are also discussions about integrating charity initiatives into the match, with proceeds potentially going towards grassroots sports development.
What Messi’s Involvement Means
Messi’s participation in such an event would be a massive boost for football in India. The country has long been considered a sleeping giant of the sport, and Messi’s presence could inspire a new generation of football fans and players.
At 38, Messi currently plays for Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami and remains one of the most followed athletes in the world. He recently led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory in 2022 and is reportedly aiming to participate in one final World Cup in 2026, to be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
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Possible Impact on Cricket and Football Fandom
India’s passionate cricket fan base often overlaps with its growing football audience, especially with the rise of the Indian Super League (ISL) and increased global exposure to European football.
An event featuring Messi alongside India’s cricketing greats could bridge the gap between the two sports and attract global attention to Indian sports culture.
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Star-Studded Lineup and Fan Expectations
While the final player list will be revealed closer to the date, fans are already speculating on dream scenarios—like Messi facing Dhoni’s bowling, Kohli and Messi sharing batting duties, or Sachin Tendulkar giving batting tips to the Argentine superstar.
Social media has been abuzz with memes and excitement since reports of the event surfaced. Many fans believe this could outshine even IPL celebrity matches in terms of star power and global visibility.
A Boost for India as a Sports Destination
India has hosted several major sporting events in recent years, from the 2023 ODI Cricket World Cup to pre-season matches involving European football clubs. Messi’s presence further strengthens India’s growing reputation as a global sports destination.
If successful, the event could pave the way for more crossover events involving international sports stars, promoting both cricket and football in the country.
Looking Ahead
With logistics discussions ongoing, an official announcement is expected in the coming weeks. The organisers are working closely with the MCA and Messi’s representatives to finalise security, crowd management, and broadcast details.
Regardless of the final format, December 14 at Wankhede promises to be a historic day for Indian sports fans. The rare sight of Messi sharing the cricket field with Dhoni, Kohli, Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma is sure to captivate audiences worldwide.
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