Hyderabad: Football legend Lionel Messi electrified Hyderabad on Saturday during the second leg of his GOAT India Tour 2025, bringing global star power and a touch of football frenzy to the City of Pearls.
The Argentine icon received a grand welcome at Taj Falaknuma Palace from Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and later met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, presenting him with an Argentina team jersey as a token of friendship.
Messi, accompanied by Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, also participated in a special ‘GOAT Cup Penalty Shootout’ event, where the trio showcased their signature skills.
The football superstars interacted with young players during a football clinic, inspiring hundreds of aspiring talents.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, donning a football kit himself, joined Messi on the field for a few light-hearted moments of play.
The event culminated at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, where an enthusiastic crowd cheered as Messi kicked signed footballs into the stands, delighting fans and creating unforgettable memories.
In the closing ceremony, Rahul Gandhi joined the footballers and state officials, exchanging mementos with the players. Messi presented the GOAT Cup trophy to the ‘Singareni RR 9’ team, which represented CM Revanth Reddy and emerged as winners of the 7-a-side exhibition match. Rahul Gandhi later shared moments from the event on his Instagram handle, thanking Messi for the gesture.
Messi is set to continue his India tour in Mumbai on Sunday before wrapping it up in New Delhi with an official meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.