Its an honour: Lionel Messi thanks India for the love after magical night in Hyderabad

In a stark contrast to the chaos that unfolded at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata earlier in the day, Lionel Messi enjoyed a great time in Hyderabad during the second leg of his GOAT tour of India. The fans were treated to an enriching experience at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad as Messi mesmerised them with some of his skills on the field.

Thanks to better crowd management, controlled access to the pitch and proper planning, the Hyderabad leg of Messi's India tour turned out to be a massive success. The Argentine footballer was welcomed with a roaring reception before engaging in some light kickabouts with Telangana CM Revanth Reddy and some youngsters on the field.

Unlike Kolkata, where the legendary footballer appeared anxious and overwhelmed after being hemmed in by a group of officials, politicians, VIPs, and others, Messi was all smiles in Hyderabad as he soaked in the atmosphere at the venue and acknowledged the love and support from the fans.

The Argentine legend, who arrived at the venue with his Inter Miami teammates Rodrygo de Paul and Luis Suarez, thanked Indian fans for their love and affection throughout his tour. Messi said it was an honour for him and his teammates to spend time in India as he thanked Indian fans for their support during Argentina's World Cup-winning campaign in 2022.

"I just wanted to thank you for the love today and always. Honestly, I saw many things before arriving here, throughout all this time, during the last World Cup. And well, thank you very much for all the affection. It’s an honour for us to be able to share these days here in India with you. So I’m very grateful. Thank you very much," Messi said during the presentation ceremony in Spanish.

Messi enjoyed a round of football with Telangana CM Reddy, De Paul and Suarez at the Uppal Stadium, wowing fans with his juggling and immaculate control. He also enjoyed kickabouts with some young kids, who were present at the ground, giving them a moment to cherish for the rest of their lives.

Messi took multiple laps around the ground, acknowledging the love and support from the fans. He, alongwith Suarez and  De Paul, met youngsters who took part in the 7-a-side exhibition match at the venue. The trio also conducted a football clinic for young kids at the stadium.

Messi later presented the GOAT Cup trophy to the winning team. The Argentine icon was also spotted kicking some balls into the stands for the fans to take home. The night concluded with a presentation ceremony, where Messi was felicitated by Telangana CM Reddy in the presence of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Gandhi was seen having a chat with the Argentine footballer and later received a signed jersey as a gift from him. Messi also gifted a signed jersey to Telangana CM Reddy before leaving the venue, while waving at the fans. He will next head to Mumbai for the third leg of his GOAT tour of India on Sunday.