Messi Dazzles Hyderabad as GOAT India Tour Regains Momentum After Kolkata Chaos
Hyderabad, December 14, 2025:
Argentine football icon Lionel Messi delivered a flawless and memorable spectacle in Hyderabad on Saturday, successfully restoring confidence in his much-hyped GOAT (Greatest of All Time) India Tour 2025 after the tour’s chaotic and controversial opening in Kolkata a day earlier.
The Hyderabad leg, held at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, witnessed smooth organisation, tight security, and an electrifying atmosphere as over 31,000 fans turned up to catch a glimpse of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner. Messi’s presence transformed the stadium into a sea of Argentina jerseys and echoed chants of “Messi! Messi!”, creating what fans described as an “once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Warm Reception, High-Profile Interactions
Messi arrived in Hyderabad on Saturday afternoon along with his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul. The football legend began his engagement with a series of fan-friendly activities, including photo sessions, brief ball-kicking interactions with young footballers, and meetings with dignitaries.
In a notable convergence of sports and politics, Messi met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy at the stadium. Messi presented Gandhi with a signed Argentina jersey, while also exchanging pleasantries with the Chief Minister, who has actively promoted football in the state.
Exhibition Match Steals the Show
Though Messi spent much of the evening in the VIP enclosure, he made a short but rousing on-field appearance, waving to fans and acknowledging the roaring crowd via stadium screens and live broadcast visuals.
The highlight of the night was a 7v7 exhibition match, where Messi, Suárez, and De Paul played against Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s Singareni RR9 team. Reddy, a long-time football enthusiast who trained rigorously for the event, impressed spectators with his fitness and enthusiasm, even scoring a goal during the friendly contest.
Messi delighted fans with his trademark close control, precision passing, and a signature goal, while also kicking footballs into the stands, triggering euphoric reactions from spectators. The match, though non-competitive, symbolised the spirit of sportsmanship and celebration that the tour aims to promote.
Grand Spectacle and Fan Engagement
The evening featured a laser light show, a football clinic for budding players, a parade lap, and a GOAT Cup penalty shootout, followed by musical performances that kept the crowd engaged well into the night. Organisers ensured strict crowd control and enhanced security arrangements, ensuring zero disruptions—an outcome starkly different from the previous day’s events in Kolkata.
This visit marked Messi’s first trip to India in 14 years, further amplifying its emotional significance for Indian football fans.
Kolkata Chaos Casts a Shadow
The Hyderabad success followed a dramatic collapse of the tour’s Kolkata opener on December 12 at Salt Lake Stadium. There, frustrated fans—angered by exorbitant ticket prices reportedly going up to ₹9.95 lakh plus GST and Messi’s brief 20-minute appearance—vandalised the venue, hurled bottles and chairs, and stormed the pitch.
Police were forced to conduct lathi charges and deploy the Rapid Action Force to control the situation, prompting Messi’s early exit. The incident led to the arrest of principal organiser Satadru Dutta, with police registering an FIR for alleged mismanagement.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who was en route to the stadium, turned back upon learning of the unrest and later ordered a judicial inquiry, appointing a panel led by retired Justice Ashim Kumar Ray. She also issued a public apology to sports enthusiasts and promised accountability.
Messi Responds, Tour Moves Forward
Addressing the Kolkata episode during his Hyderabad visit, Messi expressed disappointment over the incident but reaffirmed his affection for Indian fans. He reportedly stated that his goal was to “share the joy of football” and move ahead positively.
Organisers of the Hyderabad leg, managed by the Rubics Group, said lessons had been learned and that fan safety and experience were prioritised. The event was also aligned with the Telangana Rising Global Summit branding, drawing a diverse audience ranging from families to celebrities.
What Lies Ahead
The GOAT India Tour continues with Mumbai on December 14, featuring events such as a Padel GOAT Cup, a celebrity 7v7 match, and potential interactions with cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. The final leg is scheduled in Delhi on December 15, with similar fan engagement programmes.
However, the tour has sparked debate nationwide, with critics questioning the massive expenditure on international superstars while Indian football grapples with systemic issues such as delayed player salaries, struggling clubs, and the absence of long-term welfare mechanisms.
Redemption in Hyderabad
Despite these concerns, Hyderabad’s flawless hosting has effectively redeemed the tour’s image, demonstrating that with meticulous planning and responsible execution, India can successfully host global sporting icons and events of international scale.
