Messi to Wankhede? Football Icon Could Face Dhoni & Kohli in 7-a-side Cricket Clash

In what could be the most unexpected and exciting sporting crossover of the decade, global football icon Lionel Messi is reportedly set to visit India for a seven-a-side cricket match at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai this December. If the reports materialize, the event could feature none other than India’s cricketing legends MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli playing opposite the Argentine superstar in a friendly cricket match that combines sport, celebrity, and charity.

Though confirmation is yet to come from Messi's camp or the BCCI, early discussions have reportedly been initiated by a Mumbai-based sports and entertainment group, known for organizing high-profile international collaborations in India.

A Match Like No Other

The idea of Lionel Messi picking up a cricket bat or fielding a ball may seem far-fetched—but this event isn’t aimed at competitive intensity. Instead, it's being positioned as a celebratory exhibition match bringing together some of the biggest names in sports, across disciplines.

According to early leaks, the game is being planned as part of a larger international sports week initiative in India. The seven-a-side match will feature players from football, cricket, and Bollywood, possibly turning Wankhede Stadium into the epicenter of entertainment and global camaraderie.

Imagine a lineup where Messi opens with the bat alongside Ranveer Singh, while MS Dhoni keeps wickets and Virat Kohli captains the opposite team. The buzz has already sent fan communities across social media into a frenzy.

Why India, and Why Now?

India’s growing influence on global sports culture cannot be ignored. In recent years, the country has hosted and attracted major events across disciplines, from the FIFA U-17 World Cup to NBA pre-season matches. Messi, a global brand ambassador for multiple international companies, already enjoys a massive fanbase in India.

After leading Argentina to Copa America glory in 2021 and the FIFA World Cup in 2022, Messi’s global appeal has only intensified. His entry into Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami has further expanded his off-field engagements.

For Messi, this event may also be part of a larger ambassadorial trip that could involve promotional activities, CSR engagements, and brand partnerships with Indian companies. Wankhede, with its legendary history and iconic skyline, would provide a perfect setting for such a grand occasion.

Dhoni, Kohli and the Cricketing Angle

MS Dhoni, known for his helicopter shot and calm under pressure, and Virat Kohli, India’s modern batting maestro, are no strangers to global sporting stardom themselves. Both cricketers have often expressed admiration for footballers like Messi and Ronaldo. Kohli, in particular, has a close friendship with many footballers and has even shared his admiration for Messi on social media.

Dhoni, a goalkeeper in his school days, has often been spotted playing football during practice warmups and charity events. The thought of him and Messi sharing the same field—this time with bat and ball—adds a surreal layer to this crossover.

Sources close to the organizers hint that both Kohli and Dhoni have been approached and responded positively in principle. Given the off-season window in December, and the charitable, non-commercial nature of the match, there seems to be little in the way of obstacles.

Star-Studded Supporting Cast

Beyond Messi, Dhoni, and Kohli, the match could also include:

• Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh, known for their love for football

• Sunil Chhetri, India's footballing icon, to possibly mediate or co-captain

• Ranveer Singh, often the face of sporting events in India

• David Beckham, rumoured to make an appearance as part of Messi’s entourage

• Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul** as potential younger participants

With a planned guest list like this, the event is being dubbed “The Unity Cup,” focused on using sports as a bridge between cultures.

Cultural Spectacle and Purpose

Apart from being a sports exhibition, the match is expected to raise funds for youth sports development in India and Argentina. Part of the proceeds will go toward grassroots football and cricket academies, with specific funds allocated to child nutrition and health care in slums around Mumbai.

Major global and Indian brands are likely to partner in the event, including tech, telecom, and athletic wear companies. Messi’s involvement could also mean a push for Adidas-backed youth training programs in India, while Kohli's fitness brand could tie in for promotional synergy.

Fan Anticipation and Global Reaction

The moment rumors surfaced about Messi possibly playing cricket in India, fans erupted with memes, speculative lineups, and artistic recreations of Messi in cricketing gear. Within hours, hashtags like #MessiAtWankhede and #DhoniVsMessi began trending across platforms.

International sports media has already started speculating on how the event could signal the start of more global athlete collaborations. A Brazilian outlet even cheekily asked: “Will Neymar be next in line to bowl to Sachin Tendulkar?”

Logistics and Final Confirmation

As of now, the match is tentatively scheduled for mid-December, with Wankhede Stadium being block-booked for two days. A press conference is expected in early October, where the full lineup, match format, broadcasters, and charity partners will be officially announced.

The game is likely to be broadcast globally on streaming platforms and major sports networks, with the possibility of interactive fan voting for teams or even live commentary from sports legends.

Security preparations, insurance logistics, and player health protocols are already being discussed, especially given the profile of the participants and the high expected turnout.

 Once-in-a-Lifetime Sporting Moment

Whether you’re a Messi fan, a cricket purist, or someone who simply loves watching legends break boundaries, this upcoming match could offer something truly magical. As football and cricket unite under the Mumbai skyline, and Messi faces off against Kohli and Dhoni—not with feet, but with a bat in hand—one thing becomes certain: history will be made.

And in a cricket-mad country where Messi is already a revered name, seeing him stride onto Wankhede’s sacred turf might just be the ultimate crossover we never knew we needed.