Uppal Turns Festive as Messi Craze Sweeps Hyderabad During ‘GOAT Cup’
Hyderabad became a football festival as it hosted the anticipated ‘GOAT Cup’ during Lionel Messi’s ‘GOAT Tour of India’ at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Uppal on Saturday. In contrast to the chaos in Kolkata, the Hyderabad event ran smoothly, turning into a joyful celebration fueled by fan enthusiasm and star presence.
The exhibition match between Singareni RR and Aparna–Messi All Stars drew huge cheers from packed stands. Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy played for Singareni RR, while Lionel Messi captained the All Stars, thrilling the crowd with his touches.
Senior Congress leader and Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi watched from the stands with family, highlighting the event's prominence. Before kick-off, Messi and Revanth Reddy posed for photos with both teams, setting a friendly tone.
A highlight was Messi kicking a ball into the crowd, sparking frenzy as fans scrambled for it. The Uppal event demonstrated Hyderabad's football passion and ability to host major international spectacles, with strong security and crowd management providing a seamless experience.
GOAT Tour India 2025
The star-studded 'GOAT Cup' friendly in Hyderabad's Uppal Stadium, which marked the city's start of Messi's 'GOAT Tour of India,' was a resounding success, drawing a packed crowd.
In the match, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, playing for Singareni RR9, scored one goal to the delight of the home fans. Lionel Messi, representing Aparna–Messi All Stars, countered with a display of his characteristic finishing, netting two goals.
The event fostered a relaxed atmosphere, with Messi and the Chief Minister posing for pre-kickoff photos alongside the teams. Messi further thrilled spectators by kicking a souvenir ball into the stands.
Significantly, the well-executed Hyderabad event stood in stark contrast to the earlier chaotic and frustrating Kolkata leg, with local organizers successfully ensuring a controlled and satisfying experience for all spectators.
Revanth Reddy is unstoppable in the exhibition match.
Two Goals for Messi! The superstar finds the net twice for Aparna All Stars, electrifying the crowd
CM REVANTH REDDY JOINS THE PARTY! The Chief Minister scores, making it a crushing 4-0 lead against the Aparna All Stars. GOAT Messi joins.
Goal number three for RR9 as the Singareni RR9 team takes a commanding lead in the exhibition match!
2-0! RR9 scores second, extending the lead over Messi's team
GOAL!! ⚽️ RR9 draws first blood against the Messi All Stars! What a finish!