Lionel Messi Meets Fans in Hyderabad Amid Controversies

Lionel Messi, the Argentine football superstar, visited Hyderabad as part of his ongoing GOAT India Tour on December 13, 2025. Accompanied by fellow footballers Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, Messi engaged with thousands of fans at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. This event comes on the heels of a tumultuous stop in Kolkata, where Messi's appearance sparked significant unrest among attendees.

Upon his arrival in Hyderabad, Messi was warmly welcomed by a large crowd eager to catch a glimpse of the football legend. The atmosphere was festive, with fans chanting his name and displaying banners in his honour. During the event, Messi took the time to interact with fans, sign autographs, and take photographs, creating memorable moments for those in attendance.

Messi's visit included official meetings as well, notably with Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and prominent political figure Rahul Gandhi. The discussions were reportedly centred around promoting sports and football in the region, aiming to inspire young athletes.

“Football is a universal language, and it brings us together,” Messi said during a press conference following the event. His visit was viewed as an opportunity to boost local interest in the sport, especially given the rising popularity of football in India.

However, the festivities were overshadowed by the recent chaos in Kolkata, where Messi's earlier appearance resulted in disorder and accusations of mismanagement. The West Bengal Governor, C V Ananda Bose, expressed his discontent over being denied access to the Salt Lake Stadium during the event. He described the incident as an affront to his constitutional position and demanded accountability from local authorities.

Bose stated, “I want to see for myself what happens in ground zero,” emphasising the importance of transparency and oversight in such events. Following the Kolkata incident, he called for refunds for ticket-holders, compensation for damages, and a review of security measures for large gatherings.

In contrast, the Hyderabad event proceeded smoothly, reflecting the city's enthusiasm for football and the efforts of local organisers to ensure a secure environment for fans. The stark difference between the two events has drawn attention to the challenges faced by organisers of large-scale public gatherings in India.

As Messi continues his tour across India, his interactions with fans and officials highlight the growing significance of football in the country. The positive reception in Hyderabad serves as a reminder of the sport's potential to unite and inspire, even amidst the controversies that may arise during high-profile events.