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Niranjan Hiranandani on Messi's Visit: How an Icon Can Inspire Indian Football

Niranjan Hiranandani, co-sponsor of Lionel Messi's Mumbai event, expressed great excitement about hosting the football legend. He believes Messi's presence can act as a catalyst to push football forward in India. Hiranandani made a bold prediction, stating that India could one day become world champions in the sport. He emphasized that football's simplicity makes it perfect for widespread play and inspiration across the country.

Key Points: Hiranandani on Co-Sponsoring Lionel Messi's Wankhede Stadium Event

  • Niranjan Hiranandani highlights Messi's status as a global sporting icon for inspiration
  • He advocates for football's growth in India, calling it an easy street game
  • Hiranandani expresses hope that Messi's visit will generate enthusiasm among youth
  • He boldly predicts India has the potential to become world champions in football one day
2 min read

He is one of those icons... Co-Sponsor Niranjan Hiranandani on Lionel Messi's event at Wankhede Stadium

Hiranandani Group MD Niranjan Hiranandani calls Lionel Messi a global icon and believes his visit can inspire India to become world football champions.

"He is one of those icons of the world that we all look forward to... Football is a game that needs to be pushed further. - Niranjan Hiranandani"

Mumbai, December 14

Hiranandani Group MD Niranjan Hiranandani, one of the Co-Sponsors of Lionel Messi's event at the Wankhede Stadium, said the Argentine legend is a global icon, and they look forward to hosting him.

"We are one of the co-sponsors for the event today, and we look forward to a great innings of a sportsman, which is one of the wonders of the world. Bharat is moving forward and we need to have the mentors and people who guide us into good things. He is one of those icons of the world that we all look forward to... Football is a game that needs to be pushed further," Niranjan Hiranandani told reporters.

Niranjan Hiranandani highlighted that Football is played on the streets and India could become World Champions in the world of football. Niranjan added that Messi's presence in India will bring enthusiasm among the people.

"Cricket is almost like a national game and hockey has been forgotten. But I think football is a game which is easy to play and you can play it anywhere on the streets and any other place...I think we can become the champions of the world in football one day, and that's why when you have Messi here, you get enthusiasm from all the people, actually, to get the youngsters kicking into this area," he added.

Earlier, Lionel Messi's event in Kolkata ended on a chaotic note, but he recieved a warm reception in Hyderabad.

It was a memorable night for Hyderabad fans who gathered at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, as they witnessed Argentina's FIFA World Cup-winning icon, Lionel Messi, in action at the second pit stop of his 'GOAT India Tour 2025'.

Messi, also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, gave some children present at the venue a memory of a lifetime as he kicked the ball around the park with them for a few moments.

Delhi will be Messi's final pit stop for the 'GOAT Tour 2025' on Monday.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
It's wonderful to see global icons like Messi visiting. The interaction with the children in Hyderabad was heartwarming. These moments truly inspire the next generation.
R
Rohit P
While I love Messi, I have to respectfully disagree with Mr. Hiranandani's point about hockey being forgotten. We are the most successful team in Olympic history! We should promote all sports equally, not pit them against each other.
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Priya S
The GOAT tour is a fantastic initiative! Hope the Mumbai event is managed better than Kolkata's. Our infrastructure needs to match our enthusiasm when hosting such legends. Fingers crossed for a smooth event at Wankhede!
K
Karthik V
Football on the streets is a reality. But to become world champions, we need more than just enthusiasm. We need proper coaching academies, leagues, and investment. Hope this tour sparks that change.
M
Michael C
As an expat living in Mumbai, it's incredible to see the city's passion for global sports stars. Messi's presence truly unites people. Looking forward to a great show!

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