Union Minister Kiren Rijiju took a light-hearted jab at Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on December 15, 2025, over a viral video from Lionel Messi's exhibition appearance during the G.O.A.T. India Tour 2025. In the clip, captured at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal two days earlier, Reddy's passes to the Argentine football legend veered wide, forcing Messi to chase the ball. Rijiju shared the video on X, commenting that Reddy had a "golden chance" to play with the "GOAT" but "couldn't even give a simple pass", making Messi "run around".
The friendly interaction occurred on December 13 as part of Messi's multi-city promotional tour, which included stops in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. Reddy, wearing jersey number 9, captained a team featuring talented young players from government schools, while Messi donned his iconic number 10. The Chief Minister, a known football enthusiast, had trained rigorously for the occasion, aiming to showcase Telangana's sporting ambitions on a global stage.
Rijiju's post quickly gained traction, eliciting mixed reactions online—some users defended Reddy, attributing the errant passes to the pressure of sharing the pitch with a legend, while others found humour in the minister's playful criticism. Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh joined the banter, indirectly referencing organisational issues during Messi's Kolkata leg by suggesting a connection to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
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The exchange highlighted the political undertones amid the sporting spectacle, with social media users noting the "real pressure" of playing alongside Messi and praising Reddy's preparedness despite the light mockery. Comments ranged from empathy for the Chief Minister's nerves to appreciation for the rare opportunity.
Messi's Hyderabad visit, accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, featured a football clinic, penalties, and crowd interactions, drawing massive enthusiasm without the disruptions seen in Kolkata.
Overall, the viral moment underscored the tour's success in engaging fans and leaders alike, blending football passion with India's vibrant political discourse.
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