Hyderabad: The Messi match controversy intensified on Saturday after criticism mounted against Chief Minister Revanth Reddy over the organisation of a football event featuring Lionel Messi at Uppal Stadium, with allegations that public funds were spent on what appeared to be a Congress leaders’ family affair.
The match triggered sharp reactions from the public, sports circles and political observers, as Congress leaders’ children dominated the ground while the event ran like a party programme. Critics questioned the decision to host the match using public money, saying it offered no tangible benefit to the people of Telangana.
Several players on the field were related to Congress leaders, including the son of the Chief Minister’s brother Kondal Reddy, the son of the Ramagundam MLA, the son of MP Anil Kumar Yadav and the son of Rohin Reddy, a close aide of the Chief Minister. Observers also pointed out the presence of the Chief Minister’s grandson throughout the event.
The controversy deepened after Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi’s son and daughter flew in from Delhi on a special aircraft and watched the match along with Rahul Gandhi, adding to criticism that the event served private interests rather than public ones.
Public outrage grows over Messi match controversy
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy described the event as a charity match organised by a private agency. However, analysts alleged that the state government spent nearly ₹100 crore for a brief on-ground appearance, calling it excessive and unjustified.
Critics also questioned the optics of the event. While Messi arrived in casual attire, the Chief Minister appeared in what commentators described as an international-style sports outfit, drawing ridicule over what they termed a publicity-driven display.
Opposition voices accused the Congress government of turning the stadium into a private playground for political families. They alleged that the Chief Minister used the occasion to fulfil personal interests by allowing his grandson to play alongside Messi.
Political observers questioned the justification for spending public money on elite entertainment. They asked whether taxpayers’ funds should finance leisure activities for ruling party leaders and their families, warning that such actions were fuelling public anger against the Congress government in Telangana.
