Messi GOAT India Tour 2025: Everything that Happened in Hyderabad - Full Details
Unlike the Kolkata leg, Lionel Messi's GOAT India tour in Hyderabad had a smooth conduction with the Argentine World Cup winner having fun, playing a bit of football and thanking the crowd.
Last Updated: 10.37 PM, Dec 13, 2025
Lionel Messi's highly anticipated GOAT India Tour 2025 reached its second stop in Hyderabad on December 13, transforming the city into a football frenzy. Unlike the chaotic Kolkata opener marred by crowd unrest and limited visibility, Hyderabad's event at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium delivered a seamless, fan-centric spectacle. The evening blended celebrity action, youth engagement, and cultural flair, drawing massive crowds who finally got clear views of the World Cup-winning icon.
Event schedule and arrival
Messi landed in Hyderabad around 4 PM after a quick flight from Kolkata, heading straight to the luxurious Taj Falaknuma Palace amid streets lined with fans in Argentina jerseys.
The main program kicked off at 7:00 PM at the Uppal Stadium, featuring a laser show and performances by popular singer Mangli, who set a festive tone with her hit numbers.
By 7:50 PM, the highlight, a 7v7 celebrity match, began, with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's team, the Revanth Reddy 9s, taking on the Aparna All-Stars and surging to a 4-0 lead early on.
Celebrity match highlights
Play paused midway for Messi's grand entrance alongside Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, greeted by thunderous cheers.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy ensured no security crowds blocked views, allowing fans unobstructed sightlines, a stark improvement over Kolkata's mishaps.
Reddy scored during the friendly, later joining Messi for ceremonial dribbles and a penalty shootout; Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also participated, adding political star power.
Messi freely interacted, completing stadium laps, exchanging passes with youth and officials, and even kicking signed balls into the stands as keepsakes.
Fan interactions and youth clinic
Post-match, Messi led a youth clinic, sharing masterclass tips with scouted young talents and passing balls with children and the Chief Minister.
He spent nearly an hour roaming the pitch, waving to all sections and soaking in the electric atmosphere, without his entourage interfering.
In fluent Spanish, translated for the crowd, Messi expressed gratitude: “Thank you to all the fans. I am very happy to be here in Hyderabad with all of you,” earning roaring applause. The event wrapped with Messi presenting the trophy to the winners and receiving a memento from Revanth Reddy during the felicitation.
Cultural closer
A grand musical extravaganza followed, celebrating Messi's career with local Telangana twists blending international and regional vibes. The night ended with Hyderabad setting a "benchmark" for the tour's remaining Mumbai and Delhi legs.