GOAT India Tour 2025: Messi thanks Hyderabad crowd for ‘love and affection’, fans, players rejoice at witnessing the icon

Core Insights - Lionel Messi's 'GOAT India Tour 2025' continues to generate excitement, with a successful event in Hyderabad following a chaotic experience in Kolkata [1][2] - The tour includes interactive events, such as a 7-on-7 exhibition match, and aims to engage local fans and promote football in India [3][5] Event Highlights - Messi expressed gratitude to fans in Hyderabad, highlighting the positive atmosphere compared to the previous event in Kolkata [2][3] - The exhibition match featured local political figures, including Telangana's Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, showcasing a blend of sports and politics [3][4] - A laser light show welcomed Messi and the fans, enhancing the overall experience with visual displays of "GOAT," "Messi," and his jersey number [3] Community Engagement - Messi interacted with local children, providing memorable experiences and promoting youth engagement in football [5] - The Maharashtra Sports Department plans to select under-14 players for practice sessions with Messi, indicating a focus on grassroots development in the sport [6] Upcoming Events - After Hyderabad, Messi is scheduled to visit Mumbai and Delhi, continuing the tour's momentum and outreach [5][6]