Argentinian football superstar Lionel Messi has announced the addition of a new location to his India tour — Hyderabad — prompting Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to put his football boots on and start training.
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In a post on social media, Messi wrote, “Thanks for all the love from India! The GOAT tour kicks off in a few weeks’ time!!! I’m happy to share that Hyderabad has been added to my visits to Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi! See you soon, India.” GOAT stands for “greatest of all time” — a description that many football fans use for Messi.
He is currently the captain of the Argentina national team as well as US club Inter Miami. He previously played for PSG in France following a long and illustrious stint with Spain’s FC Barcelona.
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He is scheduled to play in a friendly match in Hyderabad on December 13, and the Chief Minister is also gearing up to play on the occasion.
Responding to Messi’s post, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy wrote, “I look forward to welcoming and hosting G.O.A.T Lionel Messi in Hyderabad on December 13. It is an exciting moment for our city and for every football fan who has dreamt of seeing a legend like you on our soil. Hyderabad is ready to host him with warmth, pride and spirit that defines our people.”
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A source in the organising committee said Hyderabad would be decked up to welcome the star player. “The G.O.A.T will be given a royal welcome,” the source said.
The Chief Minister is also busy with preparations of his own. A long-time football fan, Reddy has started training at the end of each day to play in the friendly match with Messi on December 13.
“After the day’s work is done, at around 11.30 pm each night, the CM has been training for the match. While it is a great honour to even stand on the same ground as Messi, the CM does not want to put up a poor show. So, he is training,” a source close to the Chief Minister said.
Messi will play in his iconic No 10 jersey, which will feature three golden stars — depicting Argentina’s three FIFA World Cup wins. According to the source, the Chief Minister will have an “RR9” jersey. “He is expected to play in the centre forward position and will be captain of the team that plays against Messi’s team,” the source said.
