Hyderabad is set for a historic football evening as global icon Lionel Messi arrives in the city as part of his GOAT India Tour 2025. The event will take place on Saturday, December 13, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Uppal.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will attend the event and witness the special friendly match. The match will feature a team led by Messi against a side captained by Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy.
The visit has created massive excitement among football fans across the state. Thousands are expected to gather to watch the Argentine legend live.
Rahul Gandhi Accepts Invitation for GOAT Tour Event
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy personally invited Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi during his recent visit to Delhi. Rahul Gandhi accepted the invitation and will be present for the match.
The event brings together sports, politics, and global stardom on one platform. Organisers see it as a moment of pride for Telangana and Indian football fans.
Messi vs Revanth Reddy: What to Expect from the Match
The friendly match is one of the key highlights of Messi’s GOAT Tour in India. Revanth Reddy will lead the RR9 team, wearing jersey number 9. Messi will play for Messi10, wearing his iconic number 10 jersey.
The Chief Minister has been training for the match with local football players over the past few days. The game forms part of the state government’s larger “Telangana Rising” celebrations.
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said thousands of football lovers are expected to attend. He urged fans to arrive early and cooperate with security arrangements.
Heavy Security and Traffic Curbs Around Stadium
Authorities have put in place strong security measures for the event. Around 2,500 police personnel will be deployed to manage the crowd and ensure safety.
Only ticket holders will be allowed inside the stadium. The seating capacity for the event is close to 39,000 spectators.
Police have also announced traffic restrictions on roads surrounding the Uppal Stadium. Special routes have been created for Messi, Rahul Gandhi, the Chief Minister, ministers, and other VIPs.
Messi’s Hyderabad Schedule for the Day
Messi is scheduled to land at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at 4 pm. From there, he will travel to the Taj Falaknuma Palace to attend a programme.
He will then proceed to the stadium for the football event. After the match, Messi will return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Officials are coordinating closely to ensure smooth movement and zero disruption.
More Than Football: Telangana’s Bigger Plan
The Telangana government views Messi’s visit as more than a sporting event. IT Minister Sridhar Babu said Messi is visiting for a social cause and not just a friendly match.
The state is exploring the possibility of making Messi the global brand ambassador for its “Telangana Rising” initiative. The plan aims to showcase Telangana’s potential in sports, tourism, youth engagement, and global investment.
According to government leaders, Messi showed personal interest in being part of the celebrations.
Why This Event Matters
Messi’s Hyderabad appearance follows his high-profile Kolkata visit, where he met Shah Rukh Khan and unveiled a massive 70-foot statue. His India tour has already created unforgettable moments.
The Hyderabad event now adds a strong political and cultural dimension to the GOAT India Tour. For fans, it offers a rare chance to see one of football’s greatest players live on Indian soil.
As the city prepares for Saturday night, Hyderabad stands ready for a landmark moment in Indian sports history.
