Hyderabad: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met football legend Lionel Messi in Hyderabad. He was seen chatting with Messi in the stadium as the Argentina superstar reached Hyderabad for the second leg of his GOAT India Tour 2025.

While both of them shared a brief interaction, Telangana CM Revanth Reddy was also seen sharing the stage with them ahead of the friendly match. Messi also gifted an Argentine T-shirt to Rahul Gandhi at the event that was organised at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium.

Messi reaches Kolkata in first leg of India visit

Earlier, Messi was in Kolkata in the first leg of his India visit. The visit saw huge chaos at the Salt Lake Stadium, with some even throwing bottles in anger after not being able to see their favourite star. The GOAT India Tour 2025 has been organised by Satyadru Dutta. While a large number of fans spend Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000 to be at the stadium, some even bought tickets in blacks at the cost of Rs 20,000, reports said.

Chaos at Salt Lake Stadium

As soon as Messi stepped out of a white Audi, the stadium erupted with joy. However, as he started taking a round of the stadium, several dignitaries present in the stadium started surrounding him and taking his autographs. This lead to anger among the fans, which soon led to chaos. Dutta then urged football fans to stay calm and not to create chaos.

West Bengal CM apologises to Messi

Sharing a message on X, West Bengal CM, Mamata Banerjee wrote, "I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium. I was on my way to the stadium to attend the event along with thousands of sports lovers and fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite footballer, Lionel Messi.”