Telangana CM Thanks Messi for Enthralling Fans in Hyderabad, Congratulates Security Personnel

Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Sunday expressed his gratitude to football icon Lionel Messi and his teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo de Paul for participating in the GOAT India Tour event held in Hyderabad.

“I wholeheartedly thank G.O.A.T Lionel Messi and football greats Luis Suárez and Rodrigo de Paul for accepting our invitation, gracing our city of Hyderabad, and enthralling sports lovers, especially the youth,” the Chief Minister said in a post on X.

CM Revanth Reddy, who also took part in a friendly match against Messi’s team at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, thanked Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for attending the event.

“We are deeply grateful to our leader Rahul Gandhi ji for joining us and making the evening a memory of a lifetime,” he said.

The Chief Minister also appreciated the efforts of the administration and security forces. “I thank and congratulate all officers, security personnel, organisers and staff on duty across the city for ensuring that we were able to showcase to the world that Telangana means sports, Telangana means excellence, and Telangana means hospitality,” he stated.

“On behalf of my entire government, I thank all sports lovers and fans for their exemplary conduct and the disciplined manner in which they hosted our guests,” he added.

The celebrations featured a vibrant musical concert and an elaborate laser show, with performances by popular artists Rahul Sipligunj and Mangli.

Prior to the friendly match, a ‘Meet & Greet’ programme was organised in honour of Lionel Messi at Falaknuma Palace. CM Revanth Reddy and Rahul Gandhi attended the event, during which several distinguished guests had the opportunity to interact with the football legend.

Messi arrived in Hyderabad on Saturday, where he participated in multiple photo opportunities, interacted with officials, and was seen kicking a ball with children. The Hyderabad visit followed scenes of chaos at his first stop in Kolkata, where controversy erupted over his brief appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium, despite fans paying hefty amounts for tickets.

—With inputs from IANS