After the absolute mayhem which unleashed at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) in Kolkata on Saturday morning, following Argentine football star Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and Uruguayan footballer Luis Suarez's entry in the stadium, the trio flew to the southern state of Telangana to feature in the Hyderabad leg of the G.O.A.T. tour.
The Hyderabad G.O.A.T. tour
Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Rodrigo De Paul arrived at the Taj Falaknuma Palace hotel in Hyderabad in late afternoon today, after exiting Kolkata. However, G.O.A.T. tour organiser Satadru Dutta couldn't attend the event along with the trio after being detained by Bidhannagar Police in Kolkata following the unrest at Salt Lake Stadium, where Messi fans burst into a fist of fury after not being able to view the Argentine legend from the stands, allegedly because VIPs huddled around the football star, forming a huge crowd.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy greeted Messi, Suarez, and De Paul at the hotel, after which they journeyed towards the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
Also Read | Messi’s G.O.A.T India tour's Kolkata visit ends in chaos, fans return disappointed
Celebration at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium
Messi, Suarez, and De Paul were escorted under impenetrable security arrangements following the Kolkata discord. A friendly 7 vs 7 football match was played in the footballer's honour. Messi, along with CM Revanth Reddy, took part in the game and even scored a goal.
The Chief Minister accompanied Messi, Suarez, and De Paul while making rounds of the stadium. They made rondos at several points on the field, where the footballers played a pass-the-ball practice drill.
Also Read | Why is Messi's private jet is called a 'flying palace'? Here's what you need to know
The event ended with a prize distribution for the exhibition match. Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi joined the last part of the event and met Messi. Taking the mic, LM10 said that he is very happy to be in Hyderabad, and Suarez thanked everyone present.
Lionel Messi presented an Argentine football jersey to Rahul Gandhi. Messi will attend the Mumbai leg of the G.O.A.T. Tour tomorrow at the Wankhede Stadium, which is scheduled to begin at 5 PM.
