Mumbai Police Praised by Messi Fans at Wankhede Stadium Event

Lionel Messi’s arrival in Mumbai on December 15 sparked an outpouring of gratitude toward the city’s police force, as thousands of fans at the iconic Wankhede Stadium paused their celebrations to thank law enforcement for seamless crowd management.

Fan Appreciation Overwhelms Police

In a touching moment captured on video, supporters chanted “Thank you, thank you” in unison while clapping for Mumbai Police personnel stationed at the venue. One visibly moved officer smiled warmly as fans in Argentina’s blue-and-white jerseys and Barcelona colors cheered for the force. The spontaneous gesture highlighted the exceptional coordination between authorities and the massive crowd that had gathered along Marine Drive, Mumbai’s three-kilometer seafront promenade, ahead of the event.

Messi Launches Project Mahadeva

The GOAT Tour 2025 brought the football legend to Maharashtra for a significant milestone. During the Wankhede event, Messi formally launched Project Mahadeva, a state government initiative designed to strengthen grassroots football development across Maharashtra. The ceremony was graced by legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who witnessed the momentous announcement.

The stadium echoed with “Messi, Messi” chants as the iconic player took center stage, receiving a roaring reception from the assembled crowd. Despite the massive turnout and potential for congestion, traffic and crowd movement around the venue remained largely orderly—a testament to the police department’s meticulous planning and execution.

Messi’s three-day visit to India commenced in Kolkata and Hyderabad on the previous Saturday, with the Mumbai leg marking a crucial phase of his whirlwind tour across the country. The athlete has been receiving tremendous affection from fans throughout his Indian journey, making his visit not just a celebration of football but also a moment that strengthened the bond between public institutions and citizens.

The appreciation shown by Messi’s supporters demonstrates how well-coordinated public safety efforts can transform large-scale events into memorable, harmonious celebrations.