Messi’s event in Hyderabad was marked by effective preparations, organization, and discipline at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy extending a warm welcome to the athlete.
Earlier on December 13, the initial leg of Messi’s three-day, four-city GOAT Tour 2025 in Kolkata faced harsh criticism due to inadequate crowd control and security issues. The event drew backlash from both fans and political figures.
In Hyderabad, Messi interacted with Reddy and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, showcasing his enthusiasm while greeting his fans. He also demonstrated some of his famous skills, according to news agency PTI.
Lionel Messi addressing the gathering, sharing his words with fans as excitement filled the stadium. pic.twitter.com/FVuOcjOK0w
— Jacob Ross (@JacobBhoompag) December 13, 2025
The audience in the stadium greeted the football icon with resounding cheers.
“I am very happy to be in Hyderabad amidst all the love and affection you have shown,” Messi conveyed through a translator, according to PTI.
Accompanying Messi were his Inter Miami teammates Luiz Suárez and Rodrigo de Paul, who participated in a GOAT Cup penalty shootout.
Messi also toured the stadium, waving at the fans in attendance.
The ‘messy’ Messi Kolkata tour
Earlier, fans expressed their frustration at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, as a horde of politicians, VVIPs, and security personnel crowded around the football star.
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has called for an independent judicial inquiry into the incident in a letter to West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose, while CM Mamata Banerjee has initiated an investigation into the disorganized event management.
Messi is set to arrive in Mumbai on Sunday, December 14, and will proceed to New Delhi on Monday, December 15, to wrap up his GOAT Tour 2025 with a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
HCM Revanth Reddy & Messi pic.twitter.com/X5E9QLxQLa
— Jacob Ross (@JacobBhoompag) December 13, 2025
