All roads led to the Uppal stadium on Saturday evening as football legend Lionel Messi arrived in the city for a friendly match with chief minister Revanth Reddy as part of his GOAT India Tour.
The chief minister scored the fourth goal after coming onto the field for the last five minutes. Though Messi was supposed to take part in the exhibition match, he chose to stay off the field. But he provided the young football trainees a memory for a lifetime by trading passes on the field.
Anxious momentsWith angry fans venting their ire after failing to get a glimpse of the legend in Kolkata, authorities here took no chances. Security was tightened and fans heaved a sigh of relief when TV channels started showing the special flight with Messi and his team landing at the Shamshabad airport at 4.30 pm.
The football trio joined Revanth Reddy and Rahul Gandhi at a swank hotel in the Old City, where 250 fans, who paid Rs 12 lakh (with tax) got an exclusive photo-op with Messi and a signed Argentina team jersey.
Musical eventMeanwhile, fans who started crowding the stadium once the gates opened at 4 pm were enthralled by the performancesof singers Rahul Sipligunj — of RRR fame — and Mangli along with a laser show. Revanth entered the stadium around 7.44 pm and Messi 10 minutes later to a raucous welcome. He watched the exhibition match from one of the dressing rooms stands before getting on the pitch.
The organisers ensured there was no crowding around Messi unlike in Kolkata and that was all that was needed as they came, saw and left with something to savour for a lifetime.
The trio even addressed the crowd in Spanish, which translated to: “Thanks for all of this love and affection received today in this country.
Your participation tonight is very happy. Happy to be in Hyderabad with all of you,” said Messi.
De Paulo said: “We are very delighted to be here this night.”
And Suarez said: “Thanks for the kind reception, we are having great time now. Thanks for all the love.”
Trust Messi to weave his magic!
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Shiva Krishna Gundra is a Special Digital Content Creator, Sports...
Read MoreShiva Krishna Gundra is a Special Digital Content Creator, Sports, with the Times of India. He writes on cricket, tennis, badminton, boxing and other disciplines. A fitness enthusiast and a passionate athlete himself, he dives deep into stories to explore all the possible angles for a comprehensive coverage
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