Messi to play exhibition match with Revanth Reddy in Hyderabad on December 13
HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Friday announced that Hyderabad will host football legend Lionel Messi on December 13 as part of the “GOAT India Tour”, setting up one of the city’s most anticipated sporting events. Messi is expected to play a friendly exhibition match with the Chief Minister, who has been a long-time football enthusiast.
Sources said the match may be held at either the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Uppal, or Gachibowli Stadium. Officials said the event is being positioned to promote Brand Telangana and encourage young people to take up sports.
RR9 vs LM10
Revanth Reddy will wear the No. 9 jersey, while Messi will be in his iconic No. 10 shirt for what is informally being billed as “RR9 vs LM10”.
The Chief Minister announced the event on X, writing:
“I look forward to welcoming and hosting G.O.A.T. Lionel Messi in Hyderabad 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.”
Messi acknowledged the addition of Hyderabad to his tour in an Instagram post.
“Thanks for all the love from India! The GOAT Tour kicks off in a few weeks’ time. I’m happy to share that Hyderabad has been added to my visits to Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi. See you soon India!” he wrote.
Part of Telangana Rising 2047 push
Officials said Messi’s visit is aligned with the government’s “Telangana Rising 2047” vision to project the state as a global destination for innovation, investment and sporting excellence. The Chief Minister will release the vision document on December 9.
The government is also exploring the possibility of signing Messi as the global brand ambassador for the Telangana Rising 2047 initiative to boost the state’s global image.
Hyderabad was added to the GOAT Tour after a planned friendly match in Kochi was cancelled, allowing southern fans another opportunity to see the World Cup-winning Argentine star.
