Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Gears Up for Friendly Match Against Lionel Messi on December 13

Hyderabad, Dec 2025 : Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has taken to the football field as he prepares for an exhibition match against football icon Lionel Messi’s team on December 13. The much-anticipated event, part of Messi’s ‘GOAT Tour 2025’, will take place at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal, drawing enormous excitement from sports enthusiasts across the state.

A passionate football lover, the Chief Minister has reportedly been training for 45 minutes every day to sharpen his fitness and game sense ahead of the friendly encounter. Despite a packed official schedule, he hit the ground on Sunday night and practised under floodlights with young local players. Officials from the Chief Minister’s Office said he participated in a spirited and energetic session.

Revanth Reddy will captain a specially selected squad of city players in the exhibition match, set to be billed as ‘Revanth Reddy 9 vs Lionel Messi 10’. As the name suggests, the Chief Minister will don jersey number 9, while Messi will wear his iconic number 10. Players from government schools are also expected to join Team RR9, giving young talents a rare opportunity to share the field with global stars.

Messi’s arrival in Hyderabad on December 13 is being viewed as a landmark moment for the city. The Chief Minister shared his excitement on X, stating, “I look forward to welcoming and hosting G.O.A.T. Lionel Messi on December 13. It is an exciting moment for our city and for every football fan who has dreamt of seeing a legend like you on our soil. Hyderabad is ready to host him with warmth, pride and the spirit that defines our people.”

The football legend had earlier announced that Hyderabad has been added to his India tour, which includes Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi. The news has triggered a wave of enthusiasm among football fans, with tickets and event details becoming a major talking point across the city.

Beyond the on-field action, the state government is leveraging Messi’s visit for a larger purpose. Telangana is exploring the possibility of appointing the Argentine superstar as the global brand ambassador for its ‘Telangana Rising’ initiative. The Chief Minister is keen on associating Messi with efforts to position the state as a rising global hub for sports, tourism, innovation, investment and youth engagement.

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has noted that the exhibition match will serve as a platform to highlight Telangana’s Vision-2047 roadmap. The Congress government, which completes two years in office, is planning a series of programmes beginning December 1, aligning with this long-term developmental vision.

Preparations are also underway for the ‘Telangana Rising 2047 Global Summit’, scheduled at Bharat Future City on December 8 and 9. The state’s Vision 2047 document—focusing on economic growth, sustainability, infrastructure, youth development and global partnerships—will be unveiled at the summit, which will host global achievers, policy leaders and innovators.

With sports and tourism forming crucial pillars of this vision, Messi’s presence in Hyderabad adds both momentum and international visibility to the celebrations. The upcoming match—and the broader series of events—promise to showcase Telangana’s aspirations on a global stage, blending sport, culture and development in a memorable way.

Team Maverick