Messi Fever Grips Uppal as Friendly Match Turns into Grand Sporting Celebration

Hyderabad, Dec 2025 : What was billed as a friendly football match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal on Saturday night transformed into a spectacular celebration of sport, leadership, and youth inspiration. The spotlight was firmly on Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy-led Singareni RR team, which emerged victorious, but the evening truly belonged to global football icon Lionel Messi, whose presence electrified the stadium and thrilled thousands of spectators.

The match kicked off around 8 p.m. amid loud cheers from packed stands. From the opening minutes, the Singareni RR team displayed an aggressive approach, scoring two quick goals to establish early dominance. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, leading from the front, did not restrict himself to the sidelines. Instead, he actively participated on the field, reflecting both enthusiasm and commitment to the spirit of the game.

The defining moment for the home crowd arrived in the 18th minute when Revanth Reddy himself scored a goal. As the ball found the net, the Uppal Stadium erupted in thunderous applause, chants, and celebrations. The Chief Minister acknowledged the crowd with smiles and light-hearted gestures, even engaging in friendly banter with spectators, which further lifted the festive mood of the evening.

The excitement reached its peak when Lionel Messi entered the field representing the Aparna Messi All Stars team. The appearance of the Argentine legend sent waves of excitement through the stadium. Although the match remained friendly and non-competitive in nature, every touch by Messi drew cheers and camera flashes. Messi briefly played alongside Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, shared smiles, and greeted fans, turning the game into a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many in attendance.

Despite Singareni RR securing the on-field advantage, the post-match proceedings highlighted sportsmanship and mutual respect. In a gracious gesture, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy presented the trophy to the Aparna Messi All Stars team. Messi, along with Rodrigo and the Chief Minister, later took a lap around the stadium, waving to spectators and acknowledging their overwhelming support. Fans, young and old alike, were seen capturing the historic moments on their mobile phones, eager to preserve memories of seeing the football legend in person.

One of the most inspiring segments of the event unfolded when Lionel Messi interacted with students from Telangana Gurukul Schools. Messi met players from four junior teams representing the Gurukul system and shared valuable lessons on football basics, discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship. His interaction left a lasting impression on the young players, many of whom described the moment as deeply motivating and life-changing. The initiative underscored the broader objective of the event—using sports as a platform to inspire youth and nurture future talent.

The evening also carried political and social significance with the presence of senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. His attendance added to the prominence of the event, which was widely viewed as an effort to connect with young people through sports while exposing them to international sporting culture.

Messi’s Hyderabad visit was part of the much-publicised “GOAT India Tour 2025.” He arrived in the city earlier in the day on a special flight from Kolkata, landing at Shamshabad International Airport before proceeding to the historic Falaknuma Palace. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy personally welcomed Messi at the palace, where a meet-and-greet programme was organised. Rahul Gandhi, Messi, and the Chief Minister interacted with select guests before heading together to the Uppal Stadium for the friendly match.

Overall, the event stood out as a rare confluence of sport, governance, and youth engagement. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s active participation on the field, Lionel Messi’s iconic presence, and his meaningful interaction with young players ensured that the evening transcended the boundaries of a conventional football match. It emerged instead as a powerful symbol of how sports can unite people, inspire aspirations, and promote a vibrant sporting culture in Telangana.

Team Maverick.