Hyderabad is abuzz with excitement as football legend Lionel Messi prepares to visit the city as part of his “The GOAT India Tour”. Supporters eagerly awaiting a chance to see the Argentine maestro will have their opportunity on Saturday, when Messi lands in the city for a star-studded event.
However, meeting Messi and taking a photo with him comes at a staggering cost. Organisers have confirmed that only 100 people will be able to capture this once-in-a-lifetime moment, and each must pay ₹9.95 lakh (approximately 1.35 million Bangladeshi taka) to secure the privilege. The venue for this exclusive encounter is the historic Falaknuma Palace Hotel in Hyderabad, with bookings handled via a dedicated online app.
Event Schedule
| Date | Time | Location | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 December | Morning | Kolkata | Arrival in India, unveiling of Messi statue |
| 13 December | Afternoon | Kolkata | Friendly exhibition match at Yuva Bharati Stadium |
| 13 December | Late Afternoon | Hyderabad | Arrival at Uppal Cricket Stadium, 4 PM |
| 13 December | Evening | Uppal Cricket Stadium | 3-hour gala event starts at 7 PM |
| 13 December | Evening | Stadium Field | 20-min football match: Aparna Messi All-Stars vs RR-9 (15 children participating) |
| 13 December | Evening | Stadium Field | 5-min penalty shootout with Messi, Suarez & Rodrigo De Paul |
| 14 December | Morning | Hyderabad → Mumbai | Departure to Mumbai for next tour leg |
| 15 December | Delhi | Private meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi | Concluding India tour |
Special Guests and Activities
Messi will be joined by:
Rodrigo De Paul, fellow World Cup winner with Argentina
Luis Suárez, long-time friend and former club teammate
The event will feature:
A 20-minute football match between Aparna Messi All-Stars and RR-9, involving 15 children
Coaching sessions where Messi, Suarez, and De Paul will teach football techniques to children
A 5-minute penalty shootout participation with the three football stars
Interactions and photo opportunities for the selected 100 guests
Following the Hyderabad event, Messi and his team will spend the night in the city before flying to Mumbai. His India tour also includes Kolkata and Delhi, where a friendly match will precede a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 December.
With only a limited number of fans able to meet him, this high-profile tour promises to be the ultimate football experience in India, blending sports, entertainment, and celebrity glamour in one unforgettable package.
