After a chaotic and abruptly shortened event in Kolkata, football legend Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated India tour found its footing in Hyderabad on Saturday evening. Under noticeably tighter security, the second leg of the GOAT India Tour 2025 proceeded smoothly, allowing fans and organisers a sigh of relief and delivering the celebratory experience that was promised.
How Did the Hyderabad Event Unfold?
The event at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium was a structured affair, a stark contrast to the earlier disarray. The core of the programme was a 7v7 exhibition football match, where Messi, alongside teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, showcased their skills. In a symbolic gesture, Messi presented an official Argentina national team jersey to the organisers, who reciprocated by gifting mementos to the three football stars. The event concluded peacefully, with the trio leaving the field to attend a musical celebration of Messi’s career.
Lionel Messi addressing the Audience in India:
“Hello everyone. Well, nothing but to extend my thanks for the love I’ve received today and always
The truth is that I’ve seen a lot of things before getting here, throughout this whole time”— MC (@CrewsMat10) December 13, 2025
Who Did Messi Meet in Hyderabad?
The Hyderabad stop also featured high-profile meetings, adding a political dimension to the sporting visit. Messi met with Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. Telangana’s Chief Minister, Revanth Reddy, was also present and was expected to join the football icon on the field during the exhibition match. Unlike in Kolkata, these interactions were free of crowding and security breaches, enabling calm and formal exchanges.
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What Was the Security Arrangement Like?
After fans stormed the pitch in Kolkata, Hyderabad authorities rolled out a strong security protocol. Messi was escorted under heavy guard from the time he arrived, with strict access control in place. This proactive management successfully prevented any unruly crowd behaviour, allowing the scheduled activities to proceed as planned and ensuring the safety of both the guests and the attendees.
What is Next on Messi’s India Itinerary?
With the Hyderabad event concluding successfully, the tour now moves forward. Lionel Messi is scheduled to travel to Mumbai on Sunday for engagements at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) and the iconic Wankhede Stadium. His India tour will then culminate with a final stop in the national capital, Delhi, on Monday, December 15.
Key Immediate FAQs:
Q: Was the Hyderabad event successful after the Kolkata problems?
A: Yes. The Hyderabad leg was conducted smoothly with tight security, without any reports of chaos or disruption, allowing all planned activities to be completed.
Q: Who did Lionel Messi meet in Hyderabad?
A: Messi met Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy was also present at the event.
Q: What did Messi do at the Hyderabad stadium?
A: He participated in a 7v7 exhibition football match with Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, exchanged mementos with organisers, and the event concluded with a musical tribute to his career.
Q: Where is Messi heading next in India?
A: Messi will travel to Mumbai on Sunday for events, followed by a final tour stop in Delhi on December 15.
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