CM to play football with Messi in Hyderabad today

Football fans in Telangana are in for a treat as Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is set to take the field with global football icon Lionel Messi today at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal, Hyderabad. Messi is scheduled to arrive in the city on Saturday at 4 PM and will depart for Mumbai on Sunday morning.

The match is part of Messi’s “The GOAT Tour,” which brings the superstar to Hyderabad on December 13. Ahead of the main event, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy participated in a practice match with students from Woxen University, showcasing his team spirit. The joint appearance of Messi and the CM has generated huge excitement among sports enthusiasts in the state.

The friendly match has prompted the state government to implement high-level security measures. CM Revanth Reddy will represent the Singareni team, while Messi will lead the Aparna team. Additionally, Messi will host a special football event for children as part of the program.

According to Parvati Reddy, advisor to “The GOAT Tour Hyderabad,” the main event will feature a 15-20 minute friendly match between Singareni RR9 and Messi All-Stars. Five minutes before kick-off, Messi and the CM will enter the field together for a brief ball dribbling session. To determine the winner, each team will get three penalty shots, and Messi will also showcase a special penalty kick.

Fans can also have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take photos with Messi. Around 60 fans paid ₹10 lakh each for the chance, and the proceeds will go toward a “Football Clinic” aimed at giving young players the opportunity to learn from world-class athletes.

So far, 27,000 tickets have been sold, and organizers expect all 39,000 seats in the stadium to be filled. Following the match, Messi, along with players Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suarez, will run a 25-30 minute football clinic for 20 children.

Rachakonda Police Commissioner Sudheer Babu explained that around 3,000 personnel will manage security for the event. Only ticket holders will be allowed inside, and attendees are encouraged to use public transport to avoid congestion. There will be no ticket sales at the stadium. Messi will receive “Z-category” security protection, and spectators will be admitted three hours before kick-off.