Telangana CM thanks Messi for enthralling fans in Hyderabad, congratulates security personnel
Hyderabad, Dec 14
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Sunday thanked football legend Lionel Messi and his teammates, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul, for the GOAT India tour event in Hyderabad.
"I wholeheartedly thank G.O.A.T Lionel Messi football greats Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul, for accepting our invitation and gracing our city of Hyderabad and enthralling all our sports lovers especially youth," Chief Minister poster on 'X'.
CM Revanth Reddy, who played the friendly match against Messi's team at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, also thanked the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, for attending the event.
"We are deeply grateful to our leader Rahul Gandhi ji for joining us and making the evening a memory of a lifetime," he said.
"I thank and congratulate all officers, security personnel, organisers and staff on duty across the city for ensuring we were able to showcase to the world that means sports, Telangana means excellence, and Telangana means hospitality," the Chief Minister said.
"On behalf of my entire government, I thank all sports lovers and fans for their best conduct and disciplined manner in which we played hosts to our guests," he added.
The celebrations included a vibrant musical concert and an elaborate laser show, featuring performances by Rahul Sipligunj and Mangli.
Before the friendly match, a 'Meet & Greet' programme was organised in honour of Lionel Messi at Falaknuma Palace.
CM Revanth Reddy, along with Rahul Gandhi, attended the event, where several distinguished personalities had the opportunity to interact with the football legend.
Messi was in Hyderabad on Saturday, where he appeared in many photo-ops, was seen kicking a ball with kids and interacting with officials. The visit came soon after the chaos witnessed at his first stop in Kolkata. A huge controversy erupted after his blink-and-miss performance at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, for which fans had forked out huge amounts for tickets.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While it's nice Messi visited, I wish the focus was more on developing our own football infrastructure and players. These celebrity visits are fun, but how does it help Indian sports in the long run? Just a thought.
The event management in Hyderabad was top-class! Shows we can host world-class events seamlessly. The Kolkata incident was unfortunate, but Hyderabad proved its mettle. Proud moment for all Telanganites!
Attended the concert! Rahul Sipligunj and Mangli were phenomenal. The whole atmosphere was electric. It was more than just football; it was a celebration of Hyderabad's culture. Well done to everyone involved!
Good to see the CM thanking the security personnel. They are the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Their effort ensured no repeat of the Kolkata mess. Respect! ðŸ‘
Falaknuma Palace for a meet & greet? Perfect choice! Showcasing our heritage to global stars is always a win. Hope Messi and his team enjoyed the famous Hyderabadi hospitality.
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