Lionel Messi thrills Hyderabad crowd as GOAT Tour event runs smoothly at Uppal Stadium

Hyderabad: Football legend Lionel Messi, accompanied by Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, sent waves of excitement through a packed Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Saturday as they took part in a friendly football session with Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, turning Uppal into a carnival of cheers and celebration.

While the Kolkata leg of the GOAT Tour witnessed chaos earlier in the day, the Telangana Police put in place elaborate security and logistical arrangements, ensuring the Hyderabad event was conducted smoothly and without any hurdles.

In Kolkata, Lionel Messi remained largely shielded by tight security and VIP entourages, but fans in Hyderabad were treated to a much closer, clearer, and more engaging view of the football legend.

Rousing welcome for football icons

Making a high-profile appearance after a gap of 14 years, Messi’s presence in India left sports lovers across Hyderabad mesmerized. The football icon received a thunderous ovation as he walked into the stadium.

Fans erupted as the Argentine great engaged in a light-hearted kickabout with his Inter Miami teammates Suárez and De Paul, creating an electric atmosphere rarely witnessed at the venue.

The Chief Minister personally ensured that Messi was not mobbed as he walked onto the pitch, enabling spectators in the stands to enjoy a clear, unobstructed view of the football icon.

Exhibition match adds to festive mood

Revanth Reddy turned out for Singareni RR, while Lionel Messi led the All Stars as captain, delighting the crowd with his trademark touches.

One of the standout moments came when Messi sent a ball soaring into the stands, triggering a frenzy as fans eagerly scrambled to catch it.

The exhibition match moments added a festive flavour to the evening, with thousands of spectators watching global football stars share the field with Indian political leadership.

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi was also present, lending further prominence to the occasion.

Penalty shootout steals the show

A friendly penalty shootout between the two exhibition teams drew loud cheers from the stands. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy stepped up to take a spot-kick and converted it successfully, much to the delight of the crowd, while Messi, Suárez and De Paul watched from close quarters.

Revanth Reddy's Singareni RR9 team emerged victorious, defeating the Aparna All Stars team 4–0.

Lap of honour and fan moments

Messi later took a lap around the stadium along with Suárez, De Paul and Revanth Reddy, acknowledging the roaring fans. De Paul thrilled the spectators by sending a ball into the stands, while Messi waved repeatedly as the crowd continued to go berserk.

Special moments with young players

In one of the most heart-warming scenes of the evening, Messi, Suárez and De Paul shared a fun one-touch football session with young boys on the field. The stars once again formed a circle with the children, engaging in quick passes, a rare and unforgettable experience for the youngsters and a moment cherished by fans in the stands.

Revanth Reddy welcomes Messi to ‘Rising Telangana’; Argentine star thanks fans

Welcoming the football icon, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy greeted Lionel Messi with the words, “Messi, welcome to Telangana. Telangana is rising, come and be part of this rise,” before handing over the microphone to the Argentine legend to address the gathering.

Responding to the warm reception, Messi thanked the crowd for their affection, saying, “Thank you very much for all your love,” as the stadium echoed with loud cheers.

Sharing his emotions, Rodrigo De Paul described the occasion as unforgettable. “I’m very happy. This has been a very special night. Thank you so much for your love and care,” he said, drawing another round of applause from the spectators.

Meanwhile, Messi presented the GOAT Cup to the RR9 team in recognition of their impressive performance in the friendly match held earlier. Messi also gifted Argentina jerseys to Revanth Reddy and Rahul Gandhi on the occasion.

Earlier in the day, a Meet & Greet programme was organised in honour of Lionel Messi at the historic Falaknuma Palace. Revanth Reddy, along with Rahul Gandhi, attended the event, where several distinguished personalities had the opportunity to interact with the football legend.