After Kolkata fiasco, Lionel Messi wins hearts in Hyderabad, video goes viral

Following the disorder in Kolkata, Hyderabad provided a Messi event focused on the fans, with better organisation, unobstructed views and real interaction with the players, bringing confidence back in the GOAT tour.

The Hyderabad stop of Lionel Messi’s GOAT tour stood in clear contrast to the disorder seen at the opening event in Kolkata, as fans at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium witnessed a much better-managed and more enjoyable evening.

After the problems in Kolkata, expectations for the Hyderabad event were low. However, organisers seemed to have learned from earlier mistakes, ensuring smoother crowd movement, easier access for spectators and a far calmer atmosphere inside the venue.

The night started with a friendly game between Revanth Reddy 9s and Aparna All-Stars, creating a light and cheerful mood. Soon after the match kicked off, the stadium erupted as news spread that Messi and his team had arrived. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was already at the venue and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy later joined in, even scoring a goal as his team took a quick 4-0 lead.

The match was stopped midway to welcome Messi, Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, who walked onto the field to huge cheers from the crowd. Unlike in Kolkata, where Messi was surrounded by heavy security and VIPs, fans in Hyderabad got a much clearer view. The Chief Minister was seen personally making sure no one crowded around Messi as he came onto the pitch, giving spectators an unobstructed view from the stands.

What came next were several fan-friendly moments that had been missing earlier in the tour. Messi and his teammates shared light football sessions with the Chief Minister and children on the field, interacting openly and smiling throughout. These were not quick or symbolic appearances, as Messi went on to take several rounds around the stadium, greeting fans and enjoying the atmosphere.

CM Revanth Reddy, asked that man to move away from Messi so that the fans can have a clear view of #Messi, not every man can have class.

Atleast he is better than other politicians pic.twitter.com/rTMo2vrHPj

— .™ (@Shivayaaah) December 13, 2025

Dribbles and passes #MessiInIndia pic.twitter.com/zc1dAMruBL

— Doordarshan Sports (@ddsportschannel) December 13, 2025

To add to the excitement, Messi and his teammates kicked footballs into the crowd, giving a few lucky fans souvenirs from what many saw as a once-in-a-lifetime moment. The gestures were greeted with loud cheers and chants, showing that Hyderabad delivered the football celebration fans had been waiting for.

The night ended with a short presentation, where Lionel Messi spoke to the crowd in Spanish. He thanked the fans for their love and support over the years, saying it was a privilege to be in India and connect with supporters who had followed his career, including Argentina’s World Cup victory.

“I just wanted to thank you for the love today and always. Honestly, I saw many things before arriving here, throughout all this time, during the last World Cup. And well, thank you very much for all the affection. It’s an honor for us to be able to share these days here in India with you. So I’m very grateful. Thank you very much,” Lionel Messi said during the presentation ceremony.