UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors Sachin Tendulkar and David Beckham Before ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup India 2023 SEMI Final between India and New Zealand at WankHhed stadium in 2023 in Mumbai (Photo Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) When Lionel Messi is preparing to visit the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai this December, football lovers throughout India celebrate another chapter of the growing connection of the country with a beautiful game. Over the years, India has visited several football giants and created unforgettable memories. Here is a view of some of the greatest names that stood in the ground:
Ronaldinho Gaucho
Ronaldinho in Calcutta (Screengrab)
Brazilian star Ronaldinho has made several visits to India over the years. From playing in futsal leagues to participation in promotional and local events, his visits attracted huge crowds. Ronaldinho, known for his taste and charm, remains a favorite fan across the country.Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona in Calcutta (photo toi)
Argentine legend visited India twice, first in 2008. In Calcutta, he was welcomed as a hero, with the highest security level and even helicopters furnished for his movement. He laid the foundation stone for the Indian football school and met thousands of fans. His bond with Kolkata was strong and emotional.Before
Pele’s visit to India (Screengrab)
Pelé’s football icon visited Kolkata in 1977 with New York Cosmos for a match against Mohun Bagan. The city stopped when the fans filled the streets to see the triple winner of the World Championship. This moment remains one of the most respected memories of Indian football.
David Beckham
UNICEF Goodwill Sachin Tendulkar and David Beckham Ambassadors look before ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup India 2023 Semi Final Match between India and New Zealand at WankHede (photo Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
In 2023, Beckham visited India as Ambassador Goodwill UNICEF during the World Cricket Championship. He participated in the semifinals of India vs. New Zealand in Mumbai and met Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. He also visited the programs supported by UNICEF in Gujarat and appreciated Indian warmth and spirit.
Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane during his visit to India
Zidane visited Mumbai in 2016 to promote the real estate brand. He welcomed the big crowds and accompanied the police, the winner of the French World Championship and Real Madrid Legend was warmly accepted by Indian fans during his short but impressive trip.Lionel Messi (in 2011)
India Lionel Messi (Screengrab)
Before his upcoming Messi trip, he visited India in 2011. He led Argentina in an international friendly FIFA against Venezuela at the Salt Lake stadium in Calcutta. The match was historical and attracted a massive interest, which gave fans a chance to watch Messi Live in action once in a lifetime.
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In addition to these best stars, several other legends, including Alessandro del Piero, Roberto Carlos, Diego Forlan, Zico, Dimitar Berbatov, and many others played in the country in the early times of the Indian Super League.When the football world again turns eyes to India with the upcoming visit to Messi, fans can kindly look back at these iconic moments that brought the sport home.
