Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is trading the political arena for the football pitch in a dramatic and highly anticipated move that has captivated the state. With the clock ticking down to December 13, the Chief Minister is gearing up to face football legend Lionel Messi in an exhibition match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, as part of the superstar’s highly publicized GOAT Tour 2025 in India.
The M10 vs. RR9 Duel
While Hyderabad’s political landscape has seen many competitive duels, nothing is quite like the one Mr. Reddy is preparing for. A footballer himself in his younger days, the Chief Minister has taken his preparation with a seriousness usually reserved for stormy assembly sessions.
Rigorous Training: Mr. Reddy has reportedly added a new, non-negotiable item to his daily schedule: 45 minutes of football training squeezed neatly between governance and ground passes. He is often seen changing into his jersey after a busy day to practice under the floodlights.
Team Composition: The match is being billed as a captivating "Revanth Reddy 9 vs. Lionel Messi 10" duel. The Chief Minister will don jersey number 9, while the Argentine maestro will wear his iconic number 10. Crucially, Team RR9 is expected to include selected students from government schools with demonstrated football talent, giving young players a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Beyond a Friendly: For the CM, this is more than just a friendly game. It is a strategic effort to put Telangana on the global sports map and align with his government’s ‘Telangana Rising 2047’ vision, which encourages sports participation.
A Strategic Sporting Spectacle
The high-profile match is a central feature of the Congress government’s celebrations to mark its second anniversary in power. By stepping onto the field as a player, Mr. Reddy is leveraging the "soft power" of sports for political branding—projecting a 'Fit, Assertive, Strategic, Tough (FAST)' image that resonates with the youth.
The event, which will include a 7v7 celebrity match, a masterclass for young talents, and a musical tribute, is aimed at positioning Hyderabad as a global sporting and cultural hub, capable of hosting large international events.
“I have begun practising to take part in a football match with world-renowned footballer Messi on the 13th of this month,” the Chief Minister stated, emphasising his intention to showcase the 'Telangana Rising 2047' vision through sport.
Hyderabad is ready to host the football legend, and all eyes—from political analysts to passionate football fans—will be on the pitch on December 13 to witness this unique Chief Minister vs. GOAT showdown.
