Argentina's legendary footballer Lionel Messi's much-anticipated G.O.A.T India Tour 2025 sparked widespread excitement in Mumbai, with supporters packing the Wankhede Stadium to catch a glimpse of the world football icon.
While the evening was supposed to commemorate Messi's presence and link to Indian sports culture, an unexpected event occurred when Bollywood actors Tiger Shroff and Ajay Devgn were booed by sections of the audience during the felicitation ceremony.
The Mumbai event was the third part of Messi's India tour, following his cameos in Kolkata and Hyderabad the day before.
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Tiger Shroff and Ajay Devgn booed: Lionel Messi's reaction goes viral
Tiger Shroff was called on stage during the official proceedings and introduced as a 'youth idol' and 'India's youngest action star'. The actor was there to represent Project Mahadeva, an organisation that scouts, trains, and nurtures young football talent across Maharashtra.
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However, when he was being honoured by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, loud boos erupted from the stands, creating an uncomfortable scene.
Ajay Devgn was brought up next and praised as an actor whose work exemplifies discipline and purpose. The announcement focused on his film Maidaan, which showcased the golden age of Indian football via the story of famous coach Syed Abdul Rahim.
Despite the football-centric setting of his introduction, the audience reaction remained mostly consistent, with boos persisting while the actor was acknowledged on stage.
Take a look at the viral video:
In videos that have subsequently gone viral on X, both actors are shown maintaining their cool despite the vocal criticism. Lionel Messi, who briefly acknowledged the performers, was also spotted waiting quietly to the side as the commotion resonated across the stadium.
Here's another video:
When did the crowd cheer the loudest?
The greatest cheers were prepared for Messi's meeting with Indian cricket star Sachin Tendulkar near the end of the show. Tendulkar gave Messi a Team India jersey, which he gratefully received before returning the gesture with a football.
After visiting Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, the Argentine football legend is set to arrive in New Delhi with his Inter Miami colleagues, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul.