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Telangana CM vs. Messi: How a Friendly Match Fuels State's Global Ambitions

Telangana's Chief Minister is hitting the training ground hard for a unique sporting event. He's preparing to lead a local team against football icon Lionel Messi during his GOAT Tour next month. This friendly match is about more than just football; it's a strategic move to promote the state's development vision on a global stage. The government hopes to leverage Messi's star power to attract investment and spotlight Telangana's ambitions.

Key Points: CM Revanth Reddy Trains for Football Match Against Lionel Messi in Hyderabad

  • CM Revanth Reddy trains 45 minutes daily for the match against Messi's team on December 13
  • The friendly is part of Messi's 'GOAT Tour 2025' at Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi Stadium
  • The state plans to invite Messi as a global ambassador for 'Telangana Rising'
  • The event will showcase Telangana's Vision 2047 during the government's two-year celebrations
3 min read

Telangana CM gearing up for friendly match against Messi's team during 'GOAT Tour 2025'

Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy trains daily for a friendly football match against Lionel Messi's team on Dec 13, aiming to promote the state's Vision 2047.

"I look forward to welcoming and hosting G.O.A.T. Lionel Messi... It is an exciting moment for our city. - Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy"

Hyderabad, Dec 1

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is practising along with football players here ahead of a match against football legend Lionel Messi’s team on December 13.

The match is to be played at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal here as part of Messi’s ‘GOAT Tour 2025’.

The Chief Minister, who is an avid football lover, is training 45 minutes every day to prepare himself for the friendly match.

He hit the field on Sunday night after day-long engagements to play with young players under the floodlights. Sources in the Chief Minister’s Office said he took part in an energetic practice session.

CM Revanth Reddy will be leading a team of selected players from the city in the match against Team Messi.

The Argentinian superstar will be in Hyderabad on December 13 and the Chief Minister has already described it as an exciting moment for the city.

“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,” Chief Minister Reddy posted on X.

Messi had earlier announced that Hyderabad has been added to his visits to Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi.

Football fans in Hyderabad are eagerly waiting to see the legend in action in the match between ‘Revanth Reddy 9 vs Lionel Messi 10’.

The Chief Minister will wear Jersey number 9, and Messi his famous jersey number 10.

Selected players from government schools are likely to be part of ‘RR9’ team.

It will not just be football action as the state government is planning to invite Messi to serve as the global brand ambassador for its 'Telangana Rising' initiative. The Chief Minister is trying to rope in the football legend to project the state’s dynamism to the world through sports, tourism, investment promotion and youth outreach.

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said Telangana’s Vision-2047 will be showcased during the friendly match.

The match will be part of the two-year celebrations of the Congress government. It has planned a series of programmes, beginning with the Chief Minister’s visits to the districts from December 1.

The government is also making elaborate arrangements for ‘Telangana Rising 2047 Global Summit’ scheduled to be held at Bharat Future City on December 8 and 9.

Telangana’s Vision 2047 document will be unveiled during the event to be attended by global leaders and achievers in various fields.

As sports and tourism are key components of the vision, Messi’s visit is expected to add more significance to the grand celebrations.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
While it's a great PR event, I hope the focus remains on developing infrastructure for local football. Getting Messi as a brand ambassador is good, but we need more football academies and regular coaching for our youth. Let's not make it just a one-day spectacle.
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Rohit P
Hyderabad on the global map! Messi choosing our city along with Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi is huge. Can't wait for Dec 13. The traffic will be crazy but totally worth it to see the GOAT live. Already trying to get tickets!
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Sarah B
Interesting to see a Chief Minister so actively involved. Training 45 mins daily is commendable. Hope this encourages other public figures to promote fitness and sportsmanship. The 'Telangana Rising' initiative getting a global face like Messi could bring real investment.
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Vikram M
The idea to include selected players from government schools in the CM's team is brilliant. It gives those talented kids a chance of a lifetime. This is the kind of opportunity that can change a child's life. More power to such inclusive events.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, I hope the expenses for this event are reasonable and transparent. While promoting the state is good, public funds should be used judiciously. The focus should be on the long-term benefits for sports and tourism, not just a lavish one-day event.
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