Quick Read
- Lionel Messi visited Hyderabad for the GOAT Cup exhibition match as part of his India tour.
- Telangana CM Revanth Reddy played football with Messi, an event captured in a viral video.
- The event showcased Telangana’s sports culture and organizational excellence, according to Revanth Reddy.
- Unlike chaotic scenes in Kolkata, Hyderabad’s event was well-organized and celebrated by fans.
- Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also attended, marking the event as a high-profile gathering.
Revanth Reddy and Lionel Messi: A Viral Football Moment in Hyderabad
On a night that Hyderabad will remember for years, the city’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium played host to a truly global spectacle. Football superstar Lionel Messi, on a rare three-day tour of India, stepped onto the pitch not just as a guest but as a participant—sharing the ball with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. The moment, captured in a now-viral video, has become a symbol of Telangana’s growing connection to international sports and its aspiration to be seen as a hub for global events.
Messi’s Visit Electrifies Hyderabad
Messi’s arrival at the stadium was met with thunderous cheers from thousands of fans who had gathered for the GOAT Cup exhibition match. The anticipation had built up for days, and when Messi finally appeared—flanked by fellow football stars Luis Suárez and Rodrigo de Paul—the crowd erupted. The Argentine legend wasn’t just there to wave and sign autographs; he laced up his boots and took to the field for an informal but unforgettable exchange with Revanth Reddy.
The Chief Minister, dressed for the occasion, joined Messi in a series of passes that ended with Messi effortlessly scoring a goal. The video quickly spread across social media, not just in India but around the world, highlighting Hyderabad’s moment on the international sporting stage. According to NDTV Sports, Messi’s presence turned the stadium into a carnival of celebration, with fans roaring approval at every touch of the ball.
Contrast with Kolkata’s Chaotic Reception
Earlier that day, Messi’s presence in Kolkata had drawn a different kind of attention. Around 50,000 spectators packed the Salt Lake Stadium, many having paid high prices for tickets. Yet, the event descended into chaos as politicians and VVIPs crowded the field, security struggled, and frustrated fans hurled bottles and chairs. Fibreglass seats were left shattered, and the mood soured. In stark contrast, Hyderabad’s event later that evening was marked by disciplined crowds, enthusiastic cheers, and a tightly managed environment, making the footballing festivities a source of pride for the city and its leadership.
Revanth Reddy’s Vision for Telangana’s Sports Culture
For Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, the event was more than a photo opportunity. He publicly thanked Messi, Suárez, and de Paul for accepting his invitation and thrilling the city’s sports lovers, especially its youth. In a statement reported by the Deccan Chronicle, Reddy emphasized that the event showcased Telangana’s commitment to sports, excellence, and warm hospitality. He also extended gratitude to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for joining the celebration, and to all organizers, security personnel, and fans for ensuring the event’s success.
Reddy’s remarks were more than ceremonial. They reflect a broader vision: positioning Telangana as a state that values not just economic development, but also cultural and sporting achievement. In his eyes, the seamless hosting of an international icon like Messi is proof that Telangana can stand alongside the world’s great sporting destinations.
The Power of Moments: What This Means for Telangana
It is not every day that a state chief minister finds himself trading passes with a Ballon d’Or winner. For Telangana, the image of Revanth Reddy and Messi on the same pitch is more than viral fodder—it’s a testament to the state’s ambition, organization, and openness to the world. The event’s success also highlights the city’s capacity to manage large, high-profile gatherings with discipline and joy, especially when compared to the contrasting scenes in Kolkata earlier in the day.
With international stars and national leaders in attendance, Hyderabad’s night with Messi was a declaration: Telangana is ready to be a destination for global culture and sport. The disciplined conduct of fans, the hospitality extended to foreign guests, and the pride taken by local officials all contribute to a new narrative for the state—one that goes beyond politics and economics and enters the realm of international recognition.
Revanth Reddy’s participation in this high-profile event, coupled with his public appreciation for both the stars and the city’s own people, has set a new benchmark for how regional leaders can leverage sports diplomacy. While the football match may have lasted only a few minutes, its impact—on Telangana’s image and its people’s sense of possibility—could last much longer.