Hyderabad Cheers for Messi as Chief Minister Reddy Scores in Exhibition Game

Hyderabad witnessed a thrilling friendly football match on Saturday evening, December 13, 2025, between teams captained by football icon Lionel Messi and Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. The event, held at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, drew massive crowds eager to see the stars in action.

The atmosphere was electric as thousands of Messi fans waited for nearly four hours. The pre-match entertainment included a laser show, fireworks, and flamethrowers. An estimated 30,000 spectators filled the stadium, many sporting Messi's blue and white jersey. The crowd erupted when Messi arrived at 7:50 p.m.

Fans were thrilled by the experience. "I got goosebumps when Messi kicked the ball in my direction,” said Baipothu Ashwith, a Class X student from Kukatpally who paid Rs. 5800 to see his hero.

Vamsi Vikas, a B.Tech student from Tellapur with a Messi tattoo, said, “It was a dream come true. I have been watching Messi for the past 10 years, since he won the Champions League match with Luis Suarez.”

The match pitted Aparna Messi All Stars, in blue, against Singareni RR 9, in red. All eyes were glued to the large screen showing Messi and Revanth Reddy. At 8:08 p.m., Revanth Reddy, wearing the red jersey of Singareni RR 9, entered the field to a roaring reception.