TELANGANA: CM Revanth Reddy Gears Up for Football Match with Messi
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, a lifelong football enthusiast, has ramped up his training regimen in anticipation of a high-profile friendly match against Lionel Messi’s squad.
The event, set for December 13 at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal, forms part of the Argentine icon’s G.O.A.T. India Tour 2025.
Reddy, donning the number 9 jersey, will captain a team billed as RR9 against Messi’s LM10-led side.
This exhibition game coincides with the state Congress government’s second anniversary festivities, blending sport with a showcase of Telangana’s ambitions.
Reddy views the matchup as more than recreation; it’s a platform to spotlight the state’s sports policy and bid for global events like the 2036 Olympics.
Late-Night Drills at MCRHRD Grounds
After grueling days of official duties, Reddy has been squeezing in 45-minute sessions under floodlights at the MCRHRD Institute grounds.
Clad in full kit, he joined young players for drills, honing passes and positioning with evident relish.
His office shared snapshots on social media, capturing the energy of a leader who once played competitively in his youth.
Reddy’s commitment shines through these impromptu workouts, a nod to his passion that saw him lead a match with University of Hyderabad students last year.
Teammates include select local talents and government school pupils, turning the pitch into a bridge between elite sport and grassroots dreams.
The buzz around these practices underscores a broader push: elevating Hyderabad as a sporting powerhouse, on par with cities like Singapore or Seoul.
Fans have flooded online spaces with excitement, dubbing it a once-in-a-lifetime clash that could ignite youth interest in the game.
Spotlighting Telangana’s Vision 2047
In a recent X post, Reddy framed his preparations as intertwined with state goals.
He wrote of stepping onto the field to champion the “Telangana Rising-2047” blueprint, leveraging Messi’s star power for worldwide attention.
The match will precede the release of this development roadmap, highlighting investments in infrastructure and talent nurturing.
Messi’s Hyderabad leg follows stops in Kolkata, Mumbai, and Delhi, with the tour celebrating India’s growing football fervor.
Reddy’s invitation underscores the city’s readiness, from upgraded venues to vibrant fan culture, positioning Telangana as a welcoming host with big aspirations.
This fusion of diplomacy and dribbles reflects Reddy’s style: using personal flair to advance public aims.
As tickets draw eager crowds, the event promises not just goals but a narrative of progress, one kick at a time.
Event Highlights at a Glance
- Match Format: RR9 (Reddy’s team) vs LM10 (Messi’s XI), exhibition style with student involvement.
- Venue Details: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal; capacity for thousands, family-friendly vibe.
- Broader Ties: Links to state anniversary, sports policy launch, and Olympics hosting pitch.
- Fan Perks: Limited tickets via Congress channels; live streams eyed for wider reach.
With just days away, Hyderabad pulses with anticipation. Will Reddy’s grit match Messi’s magic, or will it spark a lasting legacy for Telangana’s fields? The whistle blows soon.