Messi’s ‘GOAT Tour 2025’ Match in Hyderabad Gets Final Review as Telangana Gears Up for Global Sporting Spectacle

Hyderabad, Dec 2025 : Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Minister for IT and Industries D. Sridhar Babu on Sunday conducted a comprehensive review of the preparations for the high-profile exhibition football match between global football icon Lionel Messi’s team and a local side led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, scheduled to be held on December 13 in Hyderabad.

Officials from multiple departments briefed the ministers on logistics, security, crowd management, traffic planning, and stadium readiness for what is expected to be one of the biggest sporting events ever hosted by the state. Telangana Sports Authority Chairman Shiv Sena Reddy, Rachakonda Police Commissioner Sudhir Babu, and other senior officials were present during the review.

With thousands of football fans expected to attend the match, Deputy Chief Minister Vikramarka urged spectators to arrive at the venue well in advance and take their seats early to avoid congestion and ensure smooth security checks. He emphasized that public cooperation would be essential for maintaining order and safety during the high-energy event.

Given Messi’s global stature, authorities have put in place tight and multi-layered security arrangements. Both the Rachakonda and Hyderabad Police Commissioners are personally overseeing the security framework. Special movement corridors and routes have been earmarked for the arrival and departure of Lionel Messi, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, state ministers, and other VIPs to ensure seamless movement and avoid traffic bottlenecks.

Deputy CM Vikramarka said the match is being organised as part of the grand “Telangana Rising” celebrations, adding that Messi himself showed personal interest in being associated with the event. The timing of the match also aligns with the ongoing “Telangana Rising Global Summit,” which is witnessing participation from delegates representing 42 countries, further elevating the event’s international significance.

Minister D. Sridhar Babu said Messi’s visit would not be limited to football alone, as the global star is expected to participate in a social cause initiative as well. He stated that the focus of the state government is on ensuring flawless coordination among departments, strong public safety measures, and a vibrant sporting atmosphere that reflects Telangana’s growing prominence as a hub for international events.

The ministers assured that all necessary arrangements — including seating, lighting, medical facilities, emergency response teams, parking, and crowd control — are being strengthened to provide a safe and memorable experience for football enthusiasts. Police and stadium officials presented detailed updates on preparations both inside and outside the venue.

The match is part of Messi’s much-anticipated ‘GOAT Tour 2025’, and football fans across the country are eagerly counting down to the clash titled ‘Revanth Reddy 9 vs Lionel Messi 10’. The Chief Minister will don jersey number 9, while Messi will wear his iconic number 10.

Selected students from government schools are also likely to be included in the ‘RR9’ team, symbolising youth participation and grassroots encouragement in sports.

Beyond the exhibition match, the Telangana government is planning to invite Lionel Messi to serve as the global brand ambassador for its flagship ‘Telangana Rising’ initiative. The move aims to project the state’s dynamism on a global platform through sports, tourism, investment promotion, and youth engagement, using the universal appeal of the football legend.