Messi interacts with Rahul Gandhi, plays football with Telangana CM Revanth Reddy in Hyderabad - Watch videos

Hyderabad: Argentine football icon and FIFA World Cup winner, Lionel Messi, landed in Hyderabad on Saturday, marking the second stop of his high-profile 'GOAT India Tour' 2025.

His arrival in Hyderabad was characterized by an extremely high level of security, implemented following the widespread chaos that unfolded earlier in the day at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, which served as the first destination of the tour.

Messi's schedule in Hyderabad centered on a major exhibition football match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. The event featured Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a Congress leader.

The Chief Minister joined the legendary player on the pitch, where Messi engaged in a brief game of football with him.

Earlier, Hyderabad event organiser Anuttam Reddy shared details of Messi's schedule, saying, "Lionel Messi is expected to come at the stadium by 7:00-7.30 pm. Musical programs will start at 5.30 pm onwards. There is plenty of entertainment for everyone... Messi will be here with us on the ground for about 1 hour... There will be a lot of events... As UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors, he will engage with children."