Lionel Messi’s programme in Hyderabad on Saturday unfolded without disruption. The second leg of the GOAT India Tour ran smoothly and ended on a positive note.

This stood in clear contrast to the disorder seen earlier in Kolkata. In Hyderabad, organisers maintained control. The crowd stayed in place. The programme followed its schedule. The difference between what went wrong earlier and what worked later was obvious.

Warm welcome in Hyderabad

Messi arrived in Hyderabad around 5.40 pm. He came after a difficult opening leg of his three-day, four-city GOAT India Tour 2025.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy received him at the Taj Falaknuma Palace. Messi then travelled to the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

The stands were nearly full when he walked out. He wore a green crew-neck T-shirt, black trousers and sports shoes. This time, there was no pushing or rushing. Messi stayed for about an hour and moved comfortably through the programme.

Lionel Messi addresses the crowd

Messi acknowledged the fans through a translator. “I am very happy to be in Hyderabad in the midst of all the love and affection shown by you all,” he said.

The atmosphere remained calm as the event continued without pressure or interruptions.

Football action and fan engagement

Messi joined Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul for the GOAT Cup penalty shootout. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also stepped onto the field in football gear.

Later, the players conducted football clinics for children. The activities ended smoothly as planned.

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi joined the group during the felicitation ceremony. Organisers took photographs in front of sponsor hoardings around the ground.

Awards and exchanges

Messi presented the GOAT Cup to Singareni RR 9. The team won the seven-a-side exhibition match and represented the chief minister.

Revanth Reddy presented a memento to Messi. Rahul Gandhi handed a memento to Suarez.

Inside the stadium moments

Before going onto the field, Messi spent time inside the stadium. He looked at photographs on the walls and spoke with officials. He waved to fans from behind a glass barrier.

Later, he showcased his famous touch. He juggled and passed the ball with Suarez, De Paul and Reddy. He then took a slow walk around the stadium and acknowledged the crowd.

Kolkata scenes told a different story

Earlier in the day, the situation in Kolkata looked very different. Around 50,000 spectators gathered at the venue. Many paid between Rs 4,000 and Rs 12,000 for tickets. Some even paid up to Rs 20,000 in the black market.

Fans grew angry as politicians, VVIPs and security personnel surrounded Messi. Many spectators could barely see him.

The situation worsened when people threw bottles, even though stadium rules ban them. Food packets appeared inside the venue. Some spectators pulled out chairs and hurled them. Fibreglass seats suffered damage across the ground and synthetic track.