Sports

Poster features the captains of India, South Africa, Australia, Sri Lanka, and England

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.

India faced a 51-run defeat to South Africa in the second T20I of the five-match series, with the Proteas levelling the series 1-1. Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa analysed South Africa's all-round performance and critiqued India's batting approach, highlighting concerns over their dependence on excessive flexibility during a high-scoring chase.

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.

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.

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

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.

Star footballer Lionel Messi, along with Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, arrived at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (The Salt Lake Stadium) on Saturday, where they greeted fans who were present at the stadium in thousands.

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.'

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.

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.

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.

Sukumar Mahato, a Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA representing the Sandeshkhali constituency in West Bengal, reached the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata to witness Lionel Messi. Mahato said seeing Messi in person will be a dream come true for him.

West Bengal Minister and Sree Bhumi Sporting Club President Sujit Bose on Saturday said that football icon Lionel Messi and his team are happy with the 70-foot statue installed at the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town, Kolkata. Messi, who is in the city to kick off his GOAT Tour India 2025, is scheduled to virtually unveil the statue today.

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.

The magician, Lionel Messi, arrived in the City of Joy. Fans had been waiting for this moment for a long time, with thousands gathering for a glimpse of the Argentine icon. However, Messi had to be escorted through an alternate route due to the overwhelming crowd.

Promoter and organiser of Lionel Messi's GOAT India Tour 2025, Satadru Dutta, has said that there's a great atmosphere of joy that the legendary footballer is coming to India after 14 years.

Surrendered Naxalite player Veti Ganga thanked the state and central governments after participating in the Bastar Olympics.

Legendary Tennis player Leander Paes has praised local communities for coming out in large numbers to support the ongoing Tennis Premier League (TPL) tournament.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) and JioStar have noted recent media reports concerning the status of the ICC's media rights agreement in India. These reports do not reflect the position of either organisation, according to an ICC press release.

Day four of the Clear Premium Water presents Tennis Premier League (TPL) Season 7 opened with Gujarat Panthers hosting the Gurgaon Grand Slammers at the Gujarat University Tennis Stadium

Event organiser Anuttam Reddy shared details of Messi's schedule, saying, 'Lionel Messi is expected to come at the stadium by 7:00-7.30 pm. Musical programs will start at 5.30 pm onwards. There is plenty of entertainment for everyone... Messi will be here with us on the ground for about 1 hour... There will be a lot of events... As UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors, he will engage with children.'

The Indian women's kabaddi team was felicitated by the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) on Friday after their triumphant return from Dhaka, Bangladesh, where they clinched the Women's Kabaddi World Cup on November 24

Zimbabwe cricket legend, seasoned coach and ILT20 commentator Andy Flower, has applauded the league's efforts of nurturing cricket talent across the Gulf countries and bringing world-class players to the region's cricket stage.

Yuvraj Singh Sandhu continued his stellar run on the PGTI circuit as he clinched the Delhi Vishwa Samudra Open title, marking his sixth title of the season. The in-form golfer said the achievement left him feeling grateful, motivated and excited for what lies ahead.