Football legend Lionel Messi received a rousing welcome from fans in Hyderabad on Saturday, creating memorable scenes during his GOAT Tour of India. The event at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium unfolded smoothly, standing in sharp contrast to the chaos witnessed earlier in Kolkata. Amid tight security, Messi entered the stadium to thunderous cheers and delighted the crowd by playing football and kicking balls into the stands.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy attended the event and even took part in the exhibition match, sharing a few passes with the Argentine icon. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was also present and posed for photographs with Messi, adding to the high-profile nature of the evening.
Deeply moved by the affection shown by fans, Messi expressed his gratitude, saying it was an honour to spend time in India and calling the Hyderabad event truly special. His Inter Miami teammates Rodrigo de Paul and Luis Suárez also joined him at the venue. De Paul described the night as unforgettable, while Suárez thanked fans for their love and warmth.
Meanwhile, ahead of Messi’s visit to Mumbai on Sunday, police have announced strict security measures. Authorities aim to prevent any untoward incidents and avoid a repeat of the disorder seen in Kolkata, ensuring a safe experience for fans.
