Hyderabad.— Global football superstar Lionel Messi ignited Messi-mania in India once again as the second leg of his GOAT India Tour 2025 unfolded at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal, Hyderabad, on Saturday, drawing tens of thousands of enthusiastic supporters. The event, featuring Messi alongside longtime teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, delivered a fan-centric spectacle that contrasted sharply with organisational issues seen earlier in the tour’s first stop in Kolkata. 

Telangana’s Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy welcomed Messi to the city with the fervour befitting a global icon, urging fans to be part of Telangana’s rise as the football legend took to the field amidst deafening cheers. “Messi, welcome to Telangana,” he said, embracing the Argentine star as he arrived at the stadium. 

A night of football, passion and fan interaction

Messi, Suárez and De Paul participated in the ‘GOAT Cup’ exhibition match, where Messi captained the All-Stars team against a side led by Chief Minister Reddy. The match highlighted not only Messi’s enduring skills — he scored twice during the friendly — but also his willingness to interact directly with fans and fellow players. Following the game, the trio engaged in light football drills, including one-touch passing sessions with young players, and took part in a friendly penalty shootout that saw Reddy convert his own spot-kick with the stars watching on.

In a memorable gesture, Messi and his teammates kicked footballs into the stands, leaving fans with keepsakes from an unforgettable night — a moment that underscored the deep connection between the Argentine superstar and his fast-growing fan base in India. 

Gratitude and celebration

Addressing the crowd, Messi expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and affection shown throughout his brief stay in Hyderabad. “I am very happy to be in Hyderabad in the midst of all the love and affection shown by you all,” he said, thanking fans for their longstanding support, including through Argentina’s recent World Cup journey. 

The event also featured vibrant entertainment elements, including a glittering laser show projecting Messi’s iconic number 10 and the words GOAT across the stadium — touching on the cultural impact of the tour and the global appeal of football’s biggest names. 

Political crossover and smooth organisation

The evening drew not only sports fans but also prominent figures, among them Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition in India’s Lok Sabha, who shared his own admiration for Messi on social media and engaged in photo opportunities with the legend and his teammates.

Continuing the narrative of his three-city tour through India — which kicks off in Kolkata and will proceed to Mumbai and New Delhi — the Hyderabad leg was notably well-organised and crowd-friendly, with robust security measures and accessible interactions that redeemed the tour after early criticism. 

A cultural phenomenon

The GOAT India Tour illustrates not only Messi’s enduring global influence but also the passionate rise of football culture in India, a nation where cricket traditionally dominates the sporting landscape. The overwhelming turnout and celebratory atmosphere in Hyderabad — punctuated by chants of “Messi, Messi” and joyous celebrations of the sport — reflect a growing appetite among Indian fans for world-class football experiences. 

As Messi continues his India tour, the blend of sport, spectacle and cross-cultural enthusiasm signals an expanding chapter in the global footprint of one of football’s most revered figures.