Rahul Gandhi to Join Telangana CM at Messi’s India Event
Friendly match at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium to feature Messi vs CM-led team amid tight security
Hyderabad, Dec 13: Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is set to attend football legend Lionel Messi’s GOAT India Tour 2025 event at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad on Saturday evening. Gandhi will witness a friendly match between Messi’s team (Messi10) and a team led by Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy (RR9).
CM Revanth Reddy had personally invited Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi during his visit to Delhi on Thursday. The match forms part of Telangana’s “Telangana Rising” celebrations, with Messi showing interest in participating to support the state’s youth, sports, and tourism initiatives. Officials have indicated that Messi may also be approached to serve as the global brand ambassador for Telangana Rising.
Event and Security Arrangements
The hour-long event is expected to attract 39,000 spectators, with authorities implementing stringent security measures. Rachakonda Police Commissioner Sudheer Babu announced that only ticket holders would be allowed entry, and 2,500 police personnel will be deployed for crowd management. Traffic curbs have been imposed around the busy Uppal area, with special routes designated for VIP arrivals, including Messi, Rahul Gandhi, and CM Reddy.
Messi is scheduled to arrive at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at 4 p.m., after which he will proceed to the Taj Falaknuma Hotel before heading to the stadium. Post-match, Messi will return to the hotel for the night.
CM Revanth Reddy has been training rigorously with city football players in preparation for the match. He will wear jersey number 9, while Messi dons his iconic number 10.
Social and Cultural Significance
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka highlighted that thousands of football enthusiasts are expected to attend and urged early arrivals to ensure safety and convenience. IT Minister Sridhar Babu emphasized that the event goes beyond a friendly match, aiming to promote Telangana’s sports, tourism, investment, and youth engagement while ensuring seamless coordination and a vibrant sporting atmosphere.
The Messi vs CM Reddy match is poised to be a historic sporting spectacle, blending football excitement with Telangana’s strategic push for global visibility and social initiatives.
