The Messi GOAT Tour of India, which was much awaited by many, arrived in Hyderabad after a long delay on December 13 and celebrated with a 7-a-side exhibition match with Lionel Messi as the main character. The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, the venue for the multi-city tour that started with Kolkata, and with its next stop being Mumbai, and New Delhi, saw the merging of sport and entertainment to pay tribute to one of the greatest footballers ever.
Messi was not alone on the pitch, he was accompanied by his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, and even the Chief Minister of Telangana played with them for a short while. The night also had a music party, a lot of fan interaction, a mini-football training session, and all that made it a remarkable event in Messi’s Indian tour.
Star players light up the 7v7 match with skills, smiles and fan moments
The local players shared the field with Messi, Suárez, and De Paul, who, from the very beginning, drew the attention of the audience by their skill and presence, as the 7v7 match began. Messi and the chief minister engaged in a playful moment around the ball before a penalty shootout determined the winner of the GOAT Cup. Throughout the shootout, the supporters were off their seats, applauding and encouraging the players, who were demonstrating their skills and laughing together at the same time, thanks to the easy-going spirit of the game.
Messi, Suarez, and De Paul had constant interactions with the fans, sending each other smiles, waving their hands, and even having group photos with the youngsters who played football after the match. Besides, the event was marked by a coaching clinic which the trio conducted, thus making their bond with the little Indian football fans even stronger.
Messi honours Telangana CM
Lionel Messi, during his trip to India, presented a pair of signed Argentina jerseys to A. Revanth Reddy, the Chief Minister of Telangana, which was a special moment. This act demonstrated Messi’s thankfulness for the hospitable reception in Hyderabad. The Chief Minister thanked and complimented Messi for being a role model for the younger generation of football players in India.
Next Stops: Mumbai and Delhi welcome Messi’s GOAT Tour
After the Hyderabad show, Messi’s GOAT Tour is going to take a turn to Mumbai and New Delhi, where a combination of football and cultural events will take place. In Mumbai, he is expected to participate in a padel event, celebrity matches, and a charity fashion show, all of which will provide him with more interaction with fans and therefore more money for charities.
After this, Messi will end his visit to India in Delhi, where he will take part in a series of mega events; these will include everything from discussions with the top people to community outreach under the banner of motivating the young sportsmen all over the country.
Also Read: Lionel Messi in Kolkata: What sparked anger among fans at Salt Lake stadium?
