Messi Mania in Hyderabad: CM Revanth Reddy and Rahul Gandhi Join the 'GOAT Cup' Extravaganza
Kolkata: Security personnel attempt to pacify fans of Argentine footballer Lionel Messi amid chaos during an event as part of his 'G.O.A.T. India Tour 2025' at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK), in Kolkata, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. Fans protested after failing to catch a clear glimpse of the footballer despite paying hefty sums for tickets. - PTI
Messi Mania in Hyderabad: CM Revanth Reddy and Rahul Gandhi Join the 'GOAT Cup' Extravaganza
Football superstar Lionel Messi is set to be the main attraction at the 'GOAT Cup' in Hyderabad this Saturday night, taking place at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Uppal. The event will be a mix of sport, politics, and celebrity, featuring Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, alongside the Argentine icon.
Messi, accompanied by teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, will headline the Hyderabad stop of the 'GOAT India Tour 2025' in front of an estimated 39,000 spectators. The 70-minute programme features a friendly game, on-field interactions with political figures, and activities designed for young, aspiring footballers.
A central feature of the event is a skills display immediately after the kick-off, where Chief Minister Revanth Reddy will join Messi and his teammates. The segment will climax with a penalty shootout between the Chief Minister and Messi to determine the 'GOAT Cup' champion.
Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to arrive later, with a focus on youth engagement. For approximately 15 minutes, Messi, Suárez, and De Paul will conduct a "Tiki Taka" clinic for children across the pitch, with the political leaders in attendance.
The event will conclude with a felicitation ceremony, group photo sessions, and speeches. Revanth Reddy will present Messi with a shawl and a memento before handing over the ‘GOAT Cup.’ Both political leaders are expected to depart around 9 pm.
Following security concerns during Messi's brief appearance in Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium earlier in the day, security has been ramped up in Hyderabad. Organisers have assured fans that, unlike the short Kolkata visit, Messi will remain on the field for nearly an hour to enhance the fan experience.