aLionel Messi continued his GOAT tour of India in Hyderabad and the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium after riots in Kolkata where an event at the Salt Lake Stadium ended in chaos.
The sophisticated experience was in contrast to previous ones and the Argentina No. 10 thanked the fans in attendance.
Lionel Messi turns chaos into joy as Hyderabad gives India the fan experience they deserve
Messi thanks his fans
The first stage of his tour saw chaos reach its climax. Fourteen years after his last visit, what started as excitement to meet the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner ended in anger. Despite paying around 12,000 rupees (about $133), the crowd rebelled against organizers after they were unable to see Leo during his brief 22-minute appearance at Salt Lake Stadium.
As a result, seats were broken, debris littered the field, and organizers were arrested and forced to refund money following public outcry.
But things changed when we reached Hyderabad on the second leg of our tour. There, he took part in activities with children and youth as part of his work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, watched an exhibition sevens match and exchanged passes with Telangana Chief Minister Ravanth Reddy. After touring the stadium, kicking the ball, and receiving cheers from the crowd, Leo expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the fans.
Messi said, “I am truly grateful for everyone’s love. It is an honor to be able to spend my days with you here in India. I am truly grateful. Thank you very much,” Messi said, receiving a standing ovation.
Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul were also in attendance and took the opportunity to imitate their captain and thank the crowd.
“It was a lot of fun. It was a very special night. Thank you so much for the love and affection,” Rodri said, while the Uruguayan added: “Good evening everyone. Thank you for the love. Big hugs!”
Meanwhile, Leo still has to visit Mumbai and the capital New Delhi, where his tour will end. This will be Messi’s second visit to India, having traveled with the national team for a friendly against Venezuela in 2011.
