Pictures of Lionel Messi in Hyderabad: Meets Rahul Gandhi and CM Revanth Reddy, Smooth Tour After Kolkata Chaos

The Roar of the GOAT: Hyderabad Welcomes Lionel Messi with Flawless Fanfare

Hyderabad: After a turbulent start to the "GOAT India Tour 2025" in Kolkata, the football world's focus shifted to Hyderabad, where Argentine legend Lionel Messi was greeted with an atmosphere of smooth organization and unbridled joy. The city successfully hosted the second leg of his three-day, four-city tour on Saturday, December 13, 2025, delivering an unforgettable evening for fans that sharply contrasted with the chaos witnessed earlier in the day.

Pictures of Lionel Messi With Rahul Gandhi and CM Revanth Reddy



Picture: Chief Minister of Telangana Revanth Reddy plays football With Messi





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The City of Nizams Gets It Right

Messi, accompanied by his former FC Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez and fellow World Cup winner Rodrigo De Paul, arrived in Hyderabad in the evening. Following a brief check-in at the Taj Falaknuma Palace, where he conducted an exclusive meet-and-greet with premium ticket holders, the trio headed to the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal.

The stadium, which was nearly packed to capacity, erupted in a deafening cheer as the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner made his entrance. Dressed in a relaxed green T-shirt, Messi appeared noticeably more at ease than during his hurried visit to Kolkata, an immediate sign that the Hyderabad event was proceeding as planned.

On the Pitch with Political Dignitaries

The centerpiece of the evening was a series of football engagements designed to delight the massive crowd:

Exhibition Match and Penalty Shootout: The event featured a 7-a-side exhibition match. Later, Messi, Suárez, and De Paul participated in a "GOAT Cup" penalty shootout.

Star Kickabout: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, donning football attire, joined star on the pitch. The two exchanged passes, and in a moment that sent the crowd into a frenzy, Messi effortlessly slotted a ball into the goal.

Felicitations: The event saw the attendance of senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who was seen interacting and posing for photographs with Messi and his teammates. The winning team of the exhibition match was presented with the GOAT Cup by Messi himself, and the political dignitaries were felicitated by the visiting stars.

Messi's Heartfelt Message to the Fans

In a significant moment, Messi addressed the enthusiastic crowd, expressing his gratitude for the city's warmth. Speaking through a translator, he stated:

"I am very happy to be in Hyderabad in the midst of all the love and affection shown by you all. I've seen so much support even before coming here, especially during the last World Cup. It's an honour for us to be in India and to share these moments with you."

Video of Messi in Hydrabad Lionel Messi vs CM Revanth Reddy Football Match in Hyderabad | GOAT India Tour

The Argentine maestro also engaged in playful interactions, kicking several autographed footballs into the stands as souvenirs, a gesture that thrilled the spectators who had waited hours for a glimpse of their hero.

Lessons Learned After Kolkata

The smooth execution of the Hyderabad leg was seen as a crucial turnaround for the GOAT Tour, which had been jeopardized by the chaotic scenes in Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium earlier in the day. In Hyderabad, the meticulous security planning and orderly crowd management ensured that the focus remained squarely on the football legend and his ability to connect with his Indian fans.

After concluding his successful engagement in the City of Nizams, Lionel Messi departed for Mumbai, where the third leg of his high-profile India tour is scheduled to take place before he concludes his visit in New Delhi.

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