Hyderabad is gearing up for an unprecedented football celebration as Lionel Messi prepares to land in the city on Saturday, December 13. Anticipation has soared among fans, with the Argentine superstar’s visit being described as one of the most high-profile sporting attractions the city has ever hosted. But while excitement is widespread, the cost of a personal photograph with Messi has become the centre of heated debate.
According to a Times of India report, organisers of The GOAT India Tour have fixed the price of a single photograph with the World Cup–winning captain at ₹9.95 lakh plus GST, with only 100 limited slots available. The exclusive meet-and-greet will be held at the majestic Falaknuma Palace, and bookings have already begun through the District app.
Big Names, Bigger Stage At Uppal Stadium
On Saturday, Messi is scheduled to touch down at 4 p.m., after which he will make his way to Uppal Stadium for a three-hour public programme starting at 7 p.m. The football icon won’t be alone — Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul and Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez will join him, adding a powerful dose of star appeal to the event.
One of the main attractions is a 20-minute exhibition match featuring Singareni RR-9 and Aparna Messi All Stars. As part of the initiative, fifteen children — including ten aspiring players without any formal training — will be given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step onto the field alongside the visiting legends. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is also expected to participate briefly, reinforcing the event’s prominence.
Online Buzz Over High Prices
While fans celebrate Messi’s impending arrival, social media platforms are abuzz with mixed reactions. The steep pricing for the photograph has sparked waves of memes and sardonic comments. Some users joked that it might be cheaper to “use AI and make a picture with Messi,” while others criticised the pricing structure, with one widely shared remark calling the opportunity “unfair.”
Everyone is making a big deal about Messi coming to Hyderabad now…
But me? I clicked a photo with Messi at the Ellora Caves six months ago!Today, they say you need to pay 10 lakhs just to meet him once…
But I already captured that rare moment long before anyone else.
That’s… pic.twitter.com/fKLpVZm6vY— Aavula Srinivas Goud (@ASGOUD666) December 11, 2025
మెస్సితో నేను.. 10 లక్షలు ఇస్తే ఇంటికి వచ్చి మరీ ఫోటో దిగాడు pic.twitter.com/HmPxN7lnT0
— Jagan Reddy (@JaganReddyBRS) December 11, 2025
