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Rahul Gandhi met football legend Lionel Messi in Hyderabad, receiving the GOATED No. 10 jersey from the Argentine superstar. The visit highlighted the GOAT Tour’s smooth continuation in Hyderabad after chaos in Kolkata, with Gandhi sharing the moment on social media.
Rahul Gandhi received GOATED No. 10 jersey from Messi.
Hyderabad: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, met Argentine football legend Lionel Messi in Hyderabad on Saturday during the GOAT India Tour. During the meeting, Messi presented Gandhi with a commemorative GOATED No. 10 jersey. Gandhi shared the interaction on his official Instagram handle, captioning it "Viva Football With the GOAT @leomessi," alongside a video showing him posing with Messi, walking with the football star, and watching him wave to fans.
The Congress party also posted a video from the Hyderabad event showing Messi handing over the special jersey to Gandhi, while Gandhi presented a memento to the Argentine superstar. Fans saw Gandhi and Messi engaging in conversation, taking photographs, and sharing brief moments in front of the cameras. This meeting became a highlight of Messi’s Hyderabad leg, which was widely covered on social media platforms.
Messi arrived in Hyderabad earlier in the afternoon and visited the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal. Unlike his chaotic appearance in Kolkata, Messi’s time in Hyderabad was organized smoothly. At the stadium, he participated in photo-ops, kicked a ball with children, and interacted casually with officials. Messi spent much of his stadium visit in a VIP box, waving to the audience and appearing on the big screen during a 7-a-side match, ensuring a safe and controlled environment.
Messi India tour runs smoothly in Hyderabad after Kolkata chaos
Messi’s first stop in Kolkata had ended in controversy. At Salt Lake Stadium, spectators expressed anger over limited access to Messi despite purchasing high-priced tickets. The unrest escalated into chaos, with some attendees vandalizing the stadium and police deploying the Rapid Action Force to restore order. The situation forced Messi to leave the venue earlier than planned, overshadowing the initial GOAT Tour event.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐎𝐀𝐓 𝐋𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐎𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐍𝐨. 𝟏𝟎 𝐉𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐄𝐘 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐚𝐡𝐮𝐥 𝐆𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐡𝐢 𝐣𝐢 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0oBE3ZqBKh
— Congress (@INCIndia) December 13, 2025
Following the Kolkata incident, the principal organiser of the event, Satadru Dutta, was arrested for alleged mismanagement. Officials confirmed that an FIR would be filed and a thorough investigation would be conducted. Authorities have promised to hold everyone accountable for the disorder and vandalism that occurred during the event. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who was en route to the stadium during the chaos, immediately called off her visit and announced a judicial committee to investigate the mismanagement.
The Hyderabad leg of Messi’s GOAT Tour was designed to avoid issues faced in Kolkata. Organisers ensured strict crowd management, security measures, and smooth scheduling to allow fans to enjoy Messi’s presence safely. Messi engaged with children, officials, and dignitaries including Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, demonstrating a well-coordinated event and a stark contrast to the disorder in the first stop.
Rahul Gandhi’s meeting with Messi added a political and social dimension to the tour, showcasing interactions between global sports icons and national leaders. The visit emphasized the importance of planning and coordination in managing high-profile events, ensuring safety, and enabling fans to experience their sports idols without incident.
