Mumbai has been placed under a tight security cover ahead of the visit of football legend Lionel Messi on Saturday, following chaotic incidents reported during the Kolkata leg of his 'GOAT India Tour 2025'.

Mumbai police have deployed more than 2,000 personnel across South Mumbai to secure venues linked to the superstar’s engagements. Senior officials said that the arrangements are comparable to those made for a World Cup final, with temporary watchtowers erected at strategic points for crowd monitoring and extensive barricading put in place to prevent unauthorised access to stadium areas.

As part of the security protocol, spectators have been barred from carrying items such as water bottles, coins, metal objects, and outside food into the venue. Police said strict frisking procedures will be enforced at all entry points to ensure compliance.

Messi’s schedule in Mumbai includes multiple high-profile events. He is scheduled to attend a promotional programme for the 'Padel GOAT Cup' at the Cricket Club of India’s Brabourne Stadium around 4.30 PM, followed by the main event at the Wankhede Stadium starting at 5.00 PM. At Wankhede, Messi will participate in a seven-a-side exhibition football match alongside Bollywood celebrities and other sports personalities.

One of the key highlights of the visit is expected to be Messi’s on-field interaction with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, during which the two icons are set to exchange a football and a cricket bat as a symbolic gesture.

The day’s programme will conclude with a private charity fashion show and dinner, where memorabilia from Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph will be auctioned to raise funds for charitable causes.

Anticipating large crowds, the Mumbai Traffic Police have issued a detailed advisory, announcing traffic restrictions from 12 noon to 11 PM on roads near Marine Drive, including C, D, E, F, and G Roads. Parking has been prohibited in the vicinity of the venues, and commuters have been advised to use public transport and local trains to Churchgate or Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus to avoid congestion in the Churchgate and Marine Lines areas.

With over 30,000 spectators expected inside the stadium and thousands more likely to gather outside, city authorities said they are on high alert to ensure the visit proceeds smoothly and without any untoward incident.