Hyderabad is set to witness an extraordinary football spectacle on December 13, when Lionel Messi takes the field for a friendly match. The event has already captured the public imagination, but this time, the spotlight won’t be solely on Messi. Anumula Revanth Reddy, Telangana’s Chief Minister, is practicing under floodlights at MCRHRD grounds every evening, ensuring that he shares the attention with the football legend. Headlines are shifting from “Lionel Messi in Hyderabad” to “Lionel Messi vs Revanth Reddy in Hyderabad.”
A Chief Minister on the Field
Facing a football great like Messi takes courage. Reddy knows that every move and kick will be scrutinized online and potentially turned into memes. That’s why, after completing his official duties each day, he changes into his football jersey and practices late into the night. His goal is to step onto the field fully prepared, proving that even in the face of a legend, effort and preparation count.
Football as a Personal and Political Statement
Reddy’s early experience with football has shaped his approach to this high-profile match. He is using the game to embody the F.A.S.T ethos—Fit, Assertive, Strategic, Tough—while tying it to his government’s ‘Telangana Rising 2047’ initiative, which promotes school-level sports participation. By sharing the field with Messi, Reddy positions himself as an ambassador for both football and physical literacy, appealing to younger generations and sports enthusiasts.
Connecting With the Youth
Football’s accessibility makes it a universal sport, unlike cricket, which requires specific infrastructure. For Reddy, taking part in the match is a way to connect with Gen-Z and the Instagram-savvy audience, demonstrating teamwork, strategy, and stamina firsthand. Viral clips of his practice sessions are already generating buzz, creating what political observers call “instant buzz equity” for his image.
Sporting Legacy in Hyderabad
The city has a historic connection to football. In 1956, India achieved its best Olympic finish, coming fourth, with eight players and coach Syed Abdul Rahim from Hyderabad. Reddy’s match against Messi nods to that golden era, celebrating the city’s rich football heritage while positioning Hyderabad as a modern sporting hub.
Global and Political Implications
The timing of Messi’s visit is strategic, coming just months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It also helps highlight Hyderabad as more than an IT hub, bringing the city into India’s growing sports economy. Beyond entertainment, the match carries subtle political messaging, contrasting the accessibility of football with more elite past initiatives, reinforcing Reddy’s image as a hands-on, relatable leader.
A New Benchmark for Indian Leaders
Unlike predecessors who promoted technology, education, or welfare through speeches and ceremonial appearances, Reddy is stepping onto the field as a player. This approach demonstrates the soft power of sports for political branding, showing that leaders can engage with citizens beyond conventional channels.
