Hyderabad has successfully hosted Lionel Messi, offering a vibrant contrast to the chaotic scenes witnessed earlier in Kolkata. The Argentine superstar's appearance in Telangana brought joy to fans and underscored the state's growing prominence as a sports hub.
Following a turbulent stop in Kolkata, where a poorly managed event at Salt Lake Stadium led to fan unrest and vandalism, Messi arrived in Hyderabad seeking a more positive experience. The Kolkata event, plagued by overzealous VIPs, security issues and a lack of clear viewing opportunities for ticket holders, resulted in a curtailed appearance by Messi and widespread disappointment. West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologized for the mismanagement, and authorities arrested the main organizer of the Kolkata leg.
Hyderabad, however, rolled out a different kind of welcome. Messi's itinerary included a meet-and-greet at Falaknuma Palace and a 7v7 exhibition match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy welcomed Messi and even participated in a friendly match, fostering a more relaxed and engaging atmosphere. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also attended the event, further highlighting its significance.
The Hyderabad event featured not only Messi but also his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, who participated in activities with young football players. This interaction, along with the exhibition match, provided fans with a memorable experience, a stark contrast to the fleeting glimpse many received in Kolkata. The evening concluded with a music concert celebrating Messi's career, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Telangana's successful hosting of Messi underscores its commitment to developing sports infrastructure and attracting global events. The state government has been actively promoting sports through various initiatives, including the establishment of FIFA-AIFF football academies. In August 2025, Hyderabad inaugurated India's first FIFA Talent Academy for girls, demonstrating a commitment to gender-inclusive football development. This academy, along with the planned Men's FIFA-AIFF Football Academy, aims to nurture young talent and provide them with world-class training and exposure.
Beyond football, Telangana is also set to host other major sporting events, including the International Hockey Women's World Cup Qualifier 2026 and the Asia Rowing Championship 2026. Hyderabad will also host the Hyderabad International Chess Festival 2026. These events, along with Messi's visit, position Telangana as a rising sports hub in India. The state government's focus on sports development aligns with its broader vision of transforming Telangana into a hub for international collaborations and youth engagement.
The successful execution of the Messi event in Hyderabad serves as a testament to the state's organizational capabilities and its dedication to providing a positive experience for both athletes and fans. It marks a significant step forward in establishing Hyderabad and Telangana as prominent destinations on the global sports map.
