Amruta Fadnavis trolled for chewing gum, taking multiple selfies with Messi at Wankhede

Lionel Messi’s GOAT Tour stop at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on December 14–15, 2025 drew huge crowds — and a viral moment that quickly dominated social feeds. Amruta Fadnavis, singer and wife of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, posed for selfies with Messi on the ground at the event. Clips and photos showing her taking multiple selfies — at one point chewing gum — spread rapidly, and many users on X and other platforms criticised her conduct.

What happened at Wankhede: the clip that sparked the debate

Short video clips from the event show Messi greeting fans on the pitch while other football stars — including Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul — stood nearby. In the footage, Amruta Fadnavis moves in to take a selfie with Messi, appears to click more than once, and is seen chewing gum during the interaction. She later shared at least one of the photos on her social accounts with a caption celebrating the “moment with the legend.” These images and the accompanying video were picked up and amplified by national outlets and social feeds.

Key facts to know

• The interaction took place during Messi’s India leg of the GOAT Tour at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
• Amruta Fadnavis posted a selfie from the event on her social media. Local outlets reproduced the image and the post caption.
• Viral clips showed other footballers nearby (Luis Suárez, Rodrigo De Paul) and prompted commentary about who was included or excluded in the selfie.

Why netizens reacted: context and main criticisms

There are three common threads in the online reaction.

First, some fans felt the moment should have been more respectful — they objected to chewing gum while posing with a global icon and to what appeared to be repeated or insistent selfie-taking in a public, official setting. That perception of casualness or entitlement fuelled much of the negative commentary.

Second, commentators pointed to the optics of a politician’s spouse being prominently in the frame at a major sporting moment. Critics argued that public figures (or their family members) are often judged by heightened standards for decorum at official events. Several posts framed the behaviour as “privilege” rather than ordinary fandom.

Third, some viewers seized on the composition of the selfie — noting that other players visible in the clips, such as De Paul or Suárez, were not included in the frame — and interpreted that as insensitive to other athletes present. That perceived exclusion amplified backlash online.

Responses from media and the crowd

Mainstream outlets ran quick stories and reproduced the viral clips, reporting heavy social media backlash. Several reports also noted other scenes at the stadium — for instance, boos directed at certain celebrities when they were felicitated — underlining that the crowd was there for Messi first and foremost. These simultaneous storylines helped the Amruta Fadnavis moment spread beyond social media into national news.

At the time of reporting, I could not find a formal public statement from Amruta Fadnavis addressing the trolling (many of the stories reference the social post and the viral clip rather than a written response). Local outlets and social platforms continued to discuss and debate the optics and etiquette of celebrity-fan interactions at such high-profile events.

Balancing perspectives: why context matters

It helps to separate a few things before drawing conclusions.

One: fans often act impulsively at once-in-a-lifetime moments. Meeting an admired athlete can prompt hurried selfies, excited gestures, even brief breaches of etiquette — this is human behaviour, not unique to public figures.

Two: public roles add scrutiny. When you’re the spouse of a state chief minister, casual actions are read differently by audiences who expect a degree of formal comportment at official launches or government-related events. That explains why the same gesture from a private fan might have passed without much attention.

Three: social media amplifies snippets. A few seconds of footage, stripped of surrounding context, can change the story people believe. Several reports highlighted how a single clip drove the narrative — even though the event included many warm, positive moments (youth coaching sessions, celebrity interactions, and official launches).

Practical takeaways for public figures and event organisers

For organisers hosting celebrity visits, a few small measures lower the chance of misunderstandings:

• Manage access and photo ops so interactions are orderly and respectful to all participants. Clear zones and media marshals reduce chaotic selfie moments.
• Brief VIP guests on expected decorum and photography protocols in advance.
• If a clip goes viral, a short, timely statement clarifying intent and thanking the athlete and fans can prevent speculation from spiralling.

For public personalities and attendees, a simple rule works: quick, polite requests and brief photo ops keep the focus on the guest of honour and reduce the risk of being criticised for appearing cavalier or intrusive.

Final note: the bigger picture

The Amruta Fadnavis–Messi clips are a reminder of how instantly moments can become national discussions in the age of smartphones. The incident combines fandom, celebrity optics, and political visibility — a potent mix for online debate.

Whether you view it as a mild social-media storm over a selfie or a legitimate conversation about privilege and decorum depends on how much weight you place on optics vs. human spontaneity. Either way, the episode is an instructive case for anyone planning or attending high-profile events: small actions can attract outsized attention, and preparedness — by organisers and guests alike — matters.

Also Read: Subhashree Ganguly Trolled for Messi Photo — Husband Hits Back! – Logic Matters