Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is getting ready for a friendly showdown against the squad of football legend Lionel Messi on December 13. The game will take place at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal, as part of Messi’s “GOAT Tour 2025”.
Being a football enthusiast himself, the chief minister has committed to 45‑minute practice sessions every day to gear up for the match. After a long day of official duties, he headed to the pitch on Sunday night to spar with young players under the stadium lights. Sources from his office confirmed that the session was lively and full of energy.
For the match, CM Revanth Reddy will captivate the field alongside a handpicked roster of local players. He will wear jersey number 9, while Messi will sport his iconic number 10. Fans in the city—especially those from government schools—hope to see their talents in the “RR9” squad face the Argentine star.
The chief minister has described the event as an exhilarating moment for Hyderabad. “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,” he posted on X.
Messi’s schedule now includes Hyderabad along with Kolkata, Mumbai, and Delhi. The match, slated for “Revanth Reddy 9 vs Lionel Messi 10,” has already sparked anticipation among local supporters.
Beyond the football pitch, the state government plans to enlist Messi as the global brand ambassador for its “Telangana Rising” initiative. The chief minister hopes that lacing the legend’s name with the programme will spotlight Telangana’s dynamism in sports, tourism, investment, and youth engagement.
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said that the friendly will showcase Telangana’s Vision‑2047. The event aligns with the two‑year celebrations of the Congress administration, which started a district‑wide tour on December 1.
Simultaneously, the government is arranging the “Telangana Rising 2047 Global Summit” at Bharat Future City, scheduled for December 8‑9. The summit will unveil the Vision 2047 document before an audience of global leaders and achievers across sectors. With sports and tourism central to the vision, Messi’s presence is set to add extra weight to these grand festivities.
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