Synopsis: Messi, Su árez and De Paul took part in a short on-field football session, including a kickabout and interaction with spectators. Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, was present at the stadium.

Argentine football legend Lionel Messi, along with Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, participated in a brief exhibition match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, on Saturday, 13 December, as Hyderabad hosted the second leg of the GOAT India Tour 2025.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy welcomed Messi at the venue, saying, “Messi, welcome to Telangana. Telangana is rising —come and be part of this rise,” before inviting him to address the audience.

Speaking to spectators, Messi thanked fans for their support.

“Hello, every

See Full Page