Football

Lionel Messi reaches Mumbai; football icon's third pit stop

Argentina football icon Lionel Messi has arrived in Mumbai for the third venue of the GOAT India Tour, continuing his visit to the country.

2025-12-14T07:52:47.762858+00:00 IST

Messi thanks Hyderabad crowd for "love and affection"

It was a memorable night for the fans who gathered at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, as they got to witness Argentina's FIFA World Cup-winning icon Lionel Messi in action at the second pit stop of his 'GOAT India Tour 2025'. After the unfortunate chaos that broke out in Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium due to fans' anger at VIPs and politicians allegedly hogging Messi's time and attention during the visit there, the 38-year-old's visit to Hyderabad was a fun experience for everyone involved. He took part in a 7-on-7 exhibition football match involving the state's Chief Minister, Revanth Reddy, soaked in the love from a passionate and loud audience and also met the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi.

2025-12-13T19:03:26.455493+00:00 IST

Messi treats fans in Hyderabad with his electrifying presence

After the unfortunate chaos that broke out in Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium due to fans' anger at VIPs and politicians allegedly hogging Messi's time and attention during the visit there, the 38-year-old's visit to Hyderabad was a fun experience for everyone involved.

2025-12-13T17:17:57.543697+00:00 IST

Chaos during Messi's Kolkata visit gathers headlines in Argentina

While the moment was supposed to be a moment of union between the World Cup-winning superstar and a football-crazy state, the presence of VIPs and politicians on the field with Messi sent fans into frenzy as they could barely catch a glimpse of the footballer for whom they had paid their hard-earned money. They alleged that their presence denied them a chance of catching a proper glimpse of the 38-year-old icon.

2025-12-13T16:10:38.078896+00:00 IST

"If he plays 2-3 matches here, would be great..." Ex-Indian footb

After his visit to Kolkata, Hyderabad on Saturday and Mumbai on Sunday, Delhi will be the final pit stop for the World Cup-winning football legend on Monday.

2025-12-13T15:18:29.571322+00:00 IST

"Unwanted VIPs...": Bhutia On chaos at Messi's event in Kolkata

"...especially VIP culture - it becomes very difficult even to the organisers to stop a lot of VIPs who are not supposed to be there as well, I think they entered and crowded. The genuine fans did not really get to see Messi. So, I think that was where the fans were very upset......in future this has to be really well-organised and at the same time, lot of unwanted VIPs surrounding should be avoided," Bhaichung Bhutia told ANI.

2025-12-13T15:12:36.790643+00:00 IST

Lionel Messi reaches Hyderabad for his 'GOAT India Tour'

Messi's itinerary in Hyderabad includes a highly anticipated 7v7 exhibition football match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, where Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is expected to join him on the field. The evening will conclude with a grand musical extravaganza celebrating Messi's illustrious career and his achievements in world football. The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has also reached Hyderabad.

2025-12-13T13:19:45.159687+00:00 IST

Lionel Messi graffiti unveiled in Mumbai ahead of icon's visit

The football legend, after the visits to Kolkata and Hyderabad, is set to come to Mumbai on Sunday. Delhi will be the last stop of Messi's tour on Monday.

2025-12-13T13:09:01.155294+00:00 IST

"Investigation going on": Biswas on chaos at Messi's Event

West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas has revealed that the government has ordered an investigation into the matter, and he will not comment on anything regarding the chaotic incident at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium during Argentine legend Lionel Messi's GOAT Tour event on Saturday.

2025-12-13T12:45:01.591245+00:00 IST

AIFF issues statement on 'mess' at Lionel Messi's event

Messi's Kolkata leg of the GOAT Tour descended into chaos on Saturday after fans expressed disappointment when the Argentine legend left the event at Salt Lake Stadium much earlier than planned, leaving the crowd angry.

2025-12-13T12:12:15.819351+00:00 IST

"Organiser has been arrested": West Bengal Governor after Lionel Messi's event at Salt Lake Stadium

Messi's Kolkata leg of the GOAT Tour descended into chaos on Saturday as fans who paid high ticket prices at Salt Lake Stadium's event began throwing bottles and attempting to break the gates between the stands after the Argentine legend left early. Angry fans resorted to vandalism at the Kolkata stadium, alleging poor event management and criticising VIPs and politicians for 'hogging' the football icon's attention and time to the extent that fans did not even get a glimpse of Messi.

2025-12-13T10:33:24.595086+00:00 IST

Police use mild force to disperse crowd outside Messi’s hotel

Police personnel used mild force to disperse the angry crowd that had gathered outside the hotel where star footballer Lionel Messi was staying in Kolkata, during the first leg of his GOAT India Tour, on Saturday.

2025-12-13T09:57:48.175412+00:00 IST

Police use mild force to disperse crowd at Messi's Kolkata event

Police personnel used mild force to disperse the angry crowd after they tried to vandalise the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, alleging poor management of the Argentine Legend Lionel Messi's GOAT Tour event on Saturday.

2025-12-13T08:29:06.668810+00:00 IST

"We want our money back" Messi's Kolkata event turns into chaos

What started as a celebratory moment during Lionel Messi's Kolkata leg of the GOAT Tour turned into absolute chaos on Saturday after fans expressed their disappointment when the Argentine legend left the event much earlier than planned, leaving the crowd angry.

2025-12-13T08:04:46.839866+00:00 IST

"Total scam," allege Messi's fans

With ministers and politicians hovering around Messi fans were left high and dry.

2025-12-13T08:02:07.372090+00:00 IST

"An absolute privilege": Goenka pens down note for Messi

In a post shared on social media platform X, Goenka wrote, "The milestones, the magic, the mastery. And then you meet him and realise the humility is the real headline. An absolute privilege."

2025-12-13T07:44:12.703011+00:00 IST

Chaos at Messi's GOAT tour in Kolkata

Lionel Messi's Kolkata leg of the GOAT Tour turned into absolute chaos on Saturday. Fans who paid hefty amounts for tickets at Salt Lake Stadium's event began throwing bottles and attempting to break the gates between the stands after the Argentine legend left early. Angry fans resorted to vandalism at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, alleging poor event management.

2025-12-13T07:35:58.869929+00:00 IST

Lionel Messi virtually inaugurates his 70-feet statue in Kolkata

The Argentine football legend arrived in the City of Joy early on Saturday morning to an overwhelming reception from fans. Enthusiastic supporters gathered in large numbers across key locations in Kolkata, eager to catch a glimpse of the global football icon, reflecting the immense popularity Messi enjoys in the country, particularly in West Bengal.

2025-12-13T07:12:46.392274+00:00 IST

Fans excited to see Revanth Reddy vs Lionel Messi 7v7 match

Hyderabad is buzzing with excitement as football legend Lionel Messi is set to visit the city today as part of his GOAT India Tour 2025. Posters featuring Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy alongside the Argentine superstar have been displayed outside the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal, drawing the attention of football enthusiasts and fans alike.

2025-12-13T06:39:51.652465+00:00 IST

Messi virtually unveils 70-foot statue at Kolkata's Lake Town

Star footballer Lionel Messi on Saturday virtually unveiled his 70-foot statue installed at the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town, Kolkata. The Argentine football legend is in the city as part of his GOAT Tour India 2025.

2025-12-13T06:12:23.999138+00:00 IST

“Cancelled our honeymoon”: Fans flock to see Messi in Kolkata

Fans in Kolkata on Saturday expressed excitement about football legend Lionel Messi's arrival in the city. Messi arrived in Kolkata early in the morning on Saturday, for the much-anticipated GOAT Tour 2025. Fans had eagerly awaited the moment, with thousands turning up to catch a glimpse of the Argentine legend.

2025-12-13T05:22:48.341101+00:00 IST