Messi arrives in Hyderabad for GOAT India Tour
HYDERABAD: Argentina football icon Lionel Messi arrived in Hyderabad on Sunday as part of his GOAT India Tour 2025, amid heightened anticipation following organisational issues reported during the earlier Kolkata leg.
Messi, along with teammates Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suarez, travelled directly from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad, to Falaknuma Palace. Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy welcomed Messi with a handshake at the venue.
Exclusive meet-and-greet held at Falaknuma Palace
A meet-and-greet event attended by 100 specially invited guests concluded earlier in the day. A photo session with 250 attendees, selected through QR code allocation, is currently under way.
Messi is scheduled to proceed to Uppal Stadium later in the evening along with chief minister Revanth Reddy and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Exhibition match to begin at 7.50 pm
The exhibition match at Uppal Stadium is set to begin at 7.50 pm. Thousands of Messi fans have already gathered at the venue. A laser show arranged at the stadium drew loud cheers from the crowd.
Musical performances by singers Rahul Sipligunj and Mangli emerged as highlights of the pre-match celebrations.
Friendly match and penalty shootout planned
A friendly match between Messi’s team and a team led by Revanth Reddy will follow shortly. Messi and the chief minister are expected to enter the field during the final five minutes to greet spectators.
The evening will conclude with a penalty shootout involving Messi, billed by organisers as a tribute to his status as an all-time great.
