Lionel Messi second stop of the GOAT India Tour in Hyderabad unfolded smoothly, offering fans a memorable evening of football and celebration, and standing in sharp contrast to the confusion seen earlier in Kolkata.
Packed stadium enjoys Messi presence.
Hyderabad: Hyderabad witnessed a flawless football spectacle as Lionel Messi appeared for the second leg of the GOAT India Tour 2025. Unlike the earlier stop, the event progressed without confusion or unrest. Careful planning, strong coordination and disciplined crowd control ensured that fans enjoyed every moment without disruption.
Messi reached the city in the evening after a challenging opening leg elsewhere. He was welcomed warmly and later made his way to the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. From the moment he entered the venue, the atmosphere reflected excitement mixed with order, setting the tone for a successful event.
The stadium was nearly full as fans erupted in applause when Messi walked in. Dressed casually, the World Cup winning captain acknowledged the crowd and appeared at ease throughout his stay. His relaxed body language was a noticeable change and added to the celebratory mood inside the arena.
Addressing the audience through a translator, Messi expressed happiness at being in Hyderabad and thanked fans for their affection. His brief words were met with loud cheers, reinforcing the strong bond between the football icon and his supporters in India.
Messi Event Chaos in Kolkata: Organizers Held Responsible, Situation Under Control
Messi shared the pitch with teammates Luiz Saurez and Rodrigo de Paul during a special penalty shootout segment. The trio also participated in football clinics with children, creating unforgettable moments for young players who got a rare chance to interact with global stars.
The event saw the presence of senior political leaders who joined the players during the felicitation ceremony. They posed for photographs and interacted with the footballers, keeping the focus on celebration rather than crowding or disruption.
A seven a side exhibition match was held as part of the evening programme. Messi presented the GOAT Cup to the winning team, while mementos were exchanged between dignitaries and players. The gestures symbolised respect and appreciation for sporting excellence.
Football, Flags and Fury: Chaos at Messi’s Kolkata event sparks TMC-BJP blame game
Throughout the evening, Messi took time to look around the stadium, acknowledge fans and interact with officials. He waved from behind a glass barrier, toured the venue and showcased his trademark ball control, juggling effortlessly to the delight of the crowd.
Earlier in the day, fans at another venue had faced disappointment due to overcrowding and lack of control. In Hyderabad, organisers ensured that such issues were avoided. Restricted access, disciplined security and clear planning helped maintain order and safety.
With the Hyderabad leg ending on a high note, Messi is set to travel next to Mumbai for the third stop of his tour. The visit will conclude in New Delhi, where he is scheduled to meet the Prime Minister, marking the end of a memorable India visit.
