Hyderabad erupts as Messi announces city visit
HYDERABAD: December 13, 2025, mark this date as it is going to be etched in the football history of Hyderabad. Already, confirmation of Global football icon Lionel Messi’s visit to Hyderabad is sending the city’s football enthusiasts into a frenzy. Hyderabad is set to witness the Magic of Lionel Messi’s football skills, with some of them getting the opportunity to learn from the greatest himself.
Lionel Messi has officially announced that he will be in Hyderabad for his highly anticipated “GOAT Tour” of India, set to kick off in a few weeks. The announcement, made by Messi on social media on November 28, confirms his first visit to the country in 14 years.
A social media post that sent ripples across Hyderabad turned dreams into reality for thousands of fans. With fans already visualising the Argentine maestro’s dribbling skills and delivering that trademark left-footed magic on Hyderabad’s turf. For many young footballers across Telangana, this is more than a match, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to share the pitch with the man whose name is etched in golden letters in the history of the sport.
The tour, which already included stops in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, was a delight to his Indian fanbase. “Thanks for all the love from India! The GOAT tour kicks off in a few weeks’ time!!! I’m happy to share that Hyderabad has been added,” Messi posted on his Instagram handle.
Satadru Dutta Initiative
The tour is being organised by The Satadru Dutta Initiative, which has previously brought football personalities such as Ronaldinho and World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez to India. According to an October 1 announcement by Messi, the itinerary will include concerts, youth football clinics, a paddle cup, and the launch of charitable initiatives at various stadiums. Ticket sales are being managed exclusively through the District app.
Satadru Dutta, taking to social media, said, “The launch of Project Mahadeva, a grassroots football initiative, was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, and Bollywood’s youth icon, Tiger Shroff. This project aims to identify and nurture talent across 36 districts in Maharashtra, providing scholarships and training under foreign coaches, with opportunities to attend international academies”.
This project will be inaugurated by Lionel Messi and Maharastra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Furthermore, 40 selected kids will attend a football clinic with Lionel Messi.
Dutta emphasised that the broader aim of Messi’s tour is to inspire emerging Indian footballers and foster sustainable development through programmes such as Edu Soccer. He added that this supports India’s status as a growing venue for international football events.
