Lionel Messi to play 7v7 match featuring Telangana CM Revanth Reddy with Rahul Gandhi in attendance

Lionel Messi to play 7v7 match (AFP Photo)

Lionel Messi is all set to engage in 7v7 exhibition football match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Saturday. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy will be joining him on the field during the match between Singareni RR9 and Aparna-Messi All Stars. A grand musical extravaganza celebrating Messi's illustrious career and his achievements will also be held in the city. The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will also be present for the much anticipated show.

Posters featuring the CM alongside the Argentine superstar have been displayed outside the stadium in Uppal. The event has drawn massive attention from football fans, who are excited to witness the talisman in action. Elaborate security arrangements are being made for the event at the RGI Cricket stadium. Rachakonda Police Commissioner Sudheer Babu said security would be provided with 3,000 personnel.

"We got the tickets, but we were not allowed to go out. The police said they will let us in. That is why we are outside. Many guests are coming. We have to see all of them. We will be there when the game starts," a fan was quoted as saying by ANI.

The report further mentioned that event organiser Anuttam Reddy sharing details of Messi's schedule said: "Lionel Messi is expected to come at the stadium by 7:00-7.30 pm. Musical programs will start at 5.30 pm onwards. There is plenty of entertainment for everyone... Messi will be here with us on the ground for about 1 hour... There will be a lot of events... As UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors, he will engage with children."

He added that the evening has been designed to ensure fans get a memorable experience during the football icon's visit.

Messi arrived in Kolkata early in the morning on Saturday for the much-anticipated GOAT Tour 2025, which turned into an absolute chaos at the Salt Lake Stadium. Messi's visit at the venue ended in just 20 minutes, which left the fans disappointed. In addition fans also failed to get a glimpse of the footballer because of him being surrounded by security personnel and politicians. This furthered fuelled their anger as many resorted to vandalism.