Hyderabad is gearing up for a rare sporting spectacle as global football icon Lionel Messi arrives in the city on Saturday, December 13 for the G.O.A.T India Tour 2025. The visit will include a private interaction at Taj Falaknuma Palace for a meet-and-greet and a brief exhibition football match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Uppal.Speaking to The Hindu, Jayesh Ranjan, CEO of Telangana’s Investment Cell, said that around 250 invited guests will attend the Falaknuma engagement, where they will have the chance to meet Messi, pose for photographs and receive signed Argentina jerseysMessi will then proceed to the Uppal stadium for a recreational football match alongside Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. The venue, which has a capacity of 38,000, has opened ticket sales through major ticketing platforms.Mr. Ranjan addressed concerns regarding the stadium’s cricket readiness following the event. “There is an ongoing misconception that the ground would be damaged due to the match, and clarified that only half of the field would be used to play football. The pitch area will remain cordoned off to ensure that cricket activities are not affected,” he added.He said that the on-field segment is not a competitive match but a short exhibition lasting about 20 minutes. During his time at the stadium, Messi is also expected to interact with young athletes and conduct brief training clinics.Published - December 11, 2025 07:31 pm IST