Messi Tour Makes Hyderabad Warm Ip to football
Football enthusiasts and clubs in the city are excited about the visit, expressing hope that it will promote football in the state.
Hyderabad: Even as the temperature drops in Hyderabad, the city is warming up to global football icon Lionel Messi’s GOAT Indian tour playing against Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy in a celebrity match on Saturday.
Football enthusiasts and clubs in the city are excited about the visit, expressing hope that it will promote football in the state.
Though Messi is expected to be on the field for a few minutes, the excitement remains high among football lovers. Organisers said all tickets priced at `2,250 have been sold out. In other categories, some tickets priced at `30,000 are still available. On Saturday, the event will start at 7 pm and is likely to end by 9 pm.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, representatives of Dakshin Stories, who organised the event, said, “The match between Revanth Reddy and Messi will be played for about 5 to 10 minutes.”
“Messi will be showcasing his skills to underprivileged children who are football players. Messi will be teaching ‘Tic Tac Toe’ or ‘Tiki Taka Toe,’ which is a football technique. Messi will also have a parade around the field, waving his hand to all the spectators,” they explained.
“Telangana Tourism will welcome Messi in a traditional style, showcasing the grand Telangana culture. Parvathi Reddy is the chief patron of the GOAT tour to Hyderabad.”
“The event will be an extravaganza. Some of the best artists, such as Kayden Sharma and Rahul Sipplijung, will be present at the stadium along with a few more popular artists. It will also have a thematic laser show and a drone show.”
Ahead of the football match, a meet-and-greet with Messi has been organised at Faluknuma.
“A single photo costs `9.95 lakh. This includes a picture and an Argentina jersey, along with high tea. Initially, there were plans to hold corporate meetings to sell in bulk, but they did not work out. So, we are sticking only to this format. As of now, 150 people have registered, and we are expecting more,” the organisers mentioned.
On the other hand, clubs and fans are equally excited. Sharvan, Balraj, and Sairam said, “The visit of the football legend to the city will bring back the old glory Hyderabad once had.”
R. Christopher, a former footballer and Indian Probable for the Asian Games, said, “There was a time when football was played all over the city — Barkas in the Old City, Purani Haveli, AC Guards, and most parts of Secunderabad. Over time, the game faded. The Chief Minister’s efforts will surely help in making this game popular among children.”
