A surprising and controversial moment unfolded during football legend Lionel Messi’s much-hyped visit to Mumbai, when Bollywood actors Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff were reportedly booed by a section of the crowd at Wankhede Stadium. The incident, captured on video and now widely circulating on social media, has sparked intense debate online, dividing fans and drawing attention away from the celebratory football event.
Lionel Messi’s appearance in Mumbai had generated massive excitement, with fans from across the country gathering to witness the global football icon in person. The stadium was packed with enthusiastic supporters, banners, chants, and an electric atmosphere that reflected Messi’s unmatched popularity in India. However, what was meant to be a seamless celebration took an unexpected turn when Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff were introduced on stage.
What Happened at Wankhede Stadium
According to videos shared by attendees, the moment Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff’s names were announced, a noticeable section of the crowd began booing and shouting, creating an awkward situation on stage. While some fans continued cheering, the boos were loud enough to be heard clearly in the footage, quickly becoming the talking point of the evening.
The actors appeared briefly on stage as part of the event’s celebrity segment, which aimed to blend sports and entertainment. However, many in the crowd seemed uninterested in Bollywood appearances, having come primarily to see Lionel Messi.
Eyewitnesses claim the reaction wasn’t necessarily personal but rather a reflection of the audience’s singular focus on Messi. “People didn’t want interruptions,” one attendee shared. “They were there for football, not film promotions.”
Videos Go Viral, Internet Reacts
Clips of the incident quickly went viral across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube. The videos sparked mixed reactions, with some users expressing sympathy for the actors, while others defended the crowd’s response.
Several fans argued that the boos reflected event mismanagement, not disrespect toward Ajay Devgn or Tiger Shroff. “Why bring Bollywood stars to a football legend’s event?” one user commented. “This was about Messi. Period.”
Others, however, criticized the crowd’s behavior, calling it unnecessary and disrespectful. “Booing guests on stage is not okay, no matter the reason,” another user wrote.
Why the Crowd Reacted Strongly
Industry observers believe the reaction stemmed from rising fan fatigue with celebrity crossovers at sports events. Football fans, particularly Messi supporters, had waited hours to catch a glimpse of the Argentine star. Any delay or diversion was bound to trigger frustration.
Moreover, Messi enjoys near-mythical status among Indian football fans. For many attendees, the event was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Expectations were sky-high, and patience was thin.
A sports event organizer commented anonymously, “When fans come for an icon like Messi, they don’t want anything that feels like filler content.”
Silence from Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff
As of now, neither Ajay Devgn nor Tiger Shroff has issued an official statement regarding the incident. Sources close to the actors suggest they were taken by surprise but handled the situation with professionalism, choosing not to react publicly.
Both actors are seasoned public figures who have experienced varied audience reactions over decades. Insiders say they understand the unpredictability of live crowds and are not taking the incident personally.
Event Organisers Under Scrutiny
Following the viral videos, attention has shifted toward the event organisers, with many questioning the planning and pacing of the programme. Critics argue that celebrity segments should have been scheduled either before or after Messi’s appearance to avoid disrupting fan expectations.
Social media users also pointed out that blending sports fandom with Bollywood promotion often backfires, especially when the audience is deeply invested in a global sports icon.
A Lesson in Audience Expectations
The Wankhede Stadium incident has sparked a larger conversation about respecting audience intent. While Bollywood and sports often intersect in India, this episode highlights the importance of understanding why fans attend specific events.
For Messi’s fans, the night was about football history, not star appearances. Any deviation from that narrative risked backlash—something organisers may need to rethink for future international events.
Lionel Messi Remains the Undisputed Star
Despite the controversy, Lionel Messi’s presence dominated the evening. Fans cheered wildly when he finally appeared, and social media continued to flood with images and videos celebrating his visit. The incident involving Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff, while unfortunate, did little to dampen Messi’s overwhelming reception.
Conclusion
The booing of Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff during Lionel Messi’s Mumbai visit may not have been a reflection of personal dislike but rather a clash of expectations. As the video continues to circulate, the incident serves as a reminder that at live events—especially those centered around global icons—the audience’s purpose must always come first.
