Match day mania: Hyderabad gears up for Messi arrival; 3k police, 450 CCTV cams deployed
HYDERABAD: The city is in full Messi mania ahead of the football icon's arrival on Saturday, with fans across the city preparing celebrations of their own, inside and outside the Uppal Stadium .
While thousands will pack the stands, many others who missed out on tickets are turning their terraces and living rooms into mini stadiums. With prices proving too steep for several fans, private screenings have become the go-to plan.
"I've been a Messi fan since childhood, but the ticket prices were way out of my budget," said techie Shubhan Jay, who is hosting a terrace watch party with a projector and snacks. "Watching Messi, even from home, is still special."
But for many die-hard supporters, no price is too high. Yemme Preetham Reddy, a 23-year-old student and footballer from Nellore, booked his ticket the moment sales opened. "I've been playing football for 15 years, and it's splendid to finally see Messi in person. He's my inspiration. Even my jersey number is 10," he said. "My ticket cost Rs 9,500, but it's worth every rupee."
Meanwhile, the Hyderabad Barcelona Fan Club is preparing to recreate a mini Camp Nou in the stands. They have booked an entire 1,200-capacity enclosure and are bringing a massive 30×30 tifo for the Argentina great.
"There is a massive rush. We are getting calls from Bengaluru, Chennai, Tirupati and everywhere," said Karthikeya, head of the fan club. "Tickets ranged from Rs 4,500 to Rs 7,000. Fans want to come together and enjoy every moment."
Demand for premium experiences is also soaring. A high-end meet-and-greet at Falaknuma Palace has nearly sold out its 150 slots.
"For a single photograph with Messi and a signed Argentina jersey, the price is Rs 9.95 lakh," said Sandra, who is part of the organising team. Limited group photos were priced at Rs 25 lakh. Fans from abroad have also made enquiries, organisers said, calling the response overwhelming for a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
While thousands will pack the stands, many others who missed out on tickets are turning their terraces and living rooms into mini stadiums. With prices proving too steep for several fans, private screenings have become the go-to plan.
"I've been a Messi fan since childhood, but the ticket prices were way out of my budget," said techie Shubhan Jay, who is hosting a terrace watch party with a projector and snacks. "Watching Messi, even from home, is still special."
But for many die-hard supporters, no price is too high. Yemme Preetham Reddy, a 23-year-old student and footballer from Nellore, booked his ticket the moment sales opened. "I've been playing football for 15 years, and it's splendid to finally see Messi in person. He's my inspiration. Even my jersey number is 10," he said. "My ticket cost Rs 9,500, but it's worth every rupee."
Meanwhile, the Hyderabad Barcelona Fan Club is preparing to recreate a mini Camp Nou in the stands. They have booked an entire 1,200-capacity enclosure and are bringing a massive 30×30 tifo for the Argentina great.
"There is a massive rush. We are getting calls from Bengaluru, Chennai, Tirupati and everywhere," said Karthikeya, head of the fan club. "Tickets ranged from Rs 4,500 to Rs 7,000. Fans want to come together and enjoy every moment."
Demand for premium experiences is also soaring. A high-end meet-and-greet at Falaknuma Palace has nearly sold out its 150 slots.
"For a single photograph with Messi and a signed Argentina jersey, the price is Rs 9.95 lakh," said Sandra, who is part of the organising team. Limited group photos were priced at Rs 25 lakh. Fans from abroad have also made enquiries, organisers said, calling the response overwhelming for a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
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