Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium turned into a frenzy of cheers the moment Lionel Messi stepped onto the field during his GOAT India Tour 2025, but the electric atmosphere briefly shifted in an unexpected direction. What was planned as a smooth, star‑studded ceremony took an awkward turn when the crowd reacted sharply to the Bollywood presence on stage. Tiger Shroff who was attending as the ambassador of Project Mahadeva, a program aimed at developing young football talent in Maharashtra was the first to be introduced. Despite the organizers presenting him as a rising youth figure and action star, parts of the stadium erupted in disapproval, cutting through the celebrations. Ajay Devgn followed with the hosts spotlighting his film ‘Maidaan’ and its tribute to India’s football heritage. Yet the audience response remained just as frosty, with the booing continuing even as he accepted the honor. Clips circulating on X show both actors keeping their composure, standing steady amid the noise. Messi, meanwhile, waited calmly nearby offering polite greetings as the ceremony unfolded around the unexpected tension.
