Medical support has been bolstered with five ambulances. Vendors and black-ticket sellers are under strict watch, with mobile teams deployed.
Published Dec 13, 2025 | 4:52 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 13, 2025 | 4:52 PM
Entry requires valid QR-coded tickets from the "District App" or bar-coded physical passes—no duplicates allowed, with criminal charges for violations. Credit: x.com/TeamMessi, x.com/IPRTelangana
Synopsis: Hyderabad will be hosting the Messi GOAT Tour today at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, featuring Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Rodrigo De Paul in a star-packed football event with Telangana CM Revanth Reddy and Rahul Gandhi. Highlights include penalty shootouts, Tiki Taka with kids, and felicitations amid 2,500 police personnel ensuring tight security for 39,000 fans
Football fans in Hyderabad are in for a treat as the much-anticipated Messi GOAT Tour Live Event kicks off today at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Uppal, featuring Argentine legend Lionel Messi alongside teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul.
The event, blending high-profile football action with celebrity appearances, promises an unforgettable evening, but authorities have rolled out robust security measures to ensure safety for the expected 39,000 spectators.
The schedule, obtained from event organisers, outlines a tightly choreographed program starting with a match kick-off at 7:50 PM. Highlights include a ceremonial entry by Telangana CM Revanth Reddy at 8:06 PM, followed by Messi’s arrival on the pitch a minute later.
Meanwhile, security has been beefed up considering the high profile event. Hyderabad Police have deployed around 2,500 personnel, including traffic units, law and order teams, TSSP/AR platoons, Octopus squads, mounted police, and fire tenders.
Gate 1 of the stadium is reserved for players and VVIPs, with spectators entering via designated gates based on tickets. An evacuation plan is in place for emergencies.
🚦 TRAFFIC ADVISORY – MESSI TOUR, UPPAL 🚦
In view of the MESSI Tour & Live Event at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Uppal on 13.12.2025, moderate traffic congestion is expected. Traffic diversions will be in effect within the limits of Uppal Traffic PS.
🔸 Heavy… pic.twitter.com/kbXh3baPBV
— Rachakonda Police (@RachakondaCop) December 12, 2025
Surveillance includes 450 CCTV cameras covering the stadium, routes, and parking areas, monitored from a joint command center. Anti-sabotage checks by bomb disposal teams and sniffer dogs are ongoing. VHF sets ensure quick communication among officers, while scanners detect prohibited items.
Entry requires valid QR-coded tickets from the “District App” or bar-coded physical passes—no duplicates allowed, with criminal charges for violations.
Banned items include laptops, banners, water bottles, cameras, cigarettes, umbrellas, electronics, lighters, sharp objects, binoculars, pens, batteries, helmets, perfumes, bags, and outside food.
Special teams combat eve-teasing, supervise vendors, monitor police movements, and verify sponsor/vendor personnel. Mounted police guard key gates, and five patrolling teams handle crowd control. Signage guides traffic from major routes like Habsiguda, L.B. Nagar, Medipally, and Ramanthapur. Parking is restricted to designated areas like IILA, with gates opening at 4:00 PM—three hours before kick-off.
⚽ Hyderabad Gears Up for Messi..
Hon’ble Deputy CM Shri Bhatti Vikramarka @Bhatti_Mallu , along with IT Minister Shri Duddilla Sridhar Babu @OffDSB , reviewed fool-proof security arrangements for the Lionel Messi Football match at Uppal Stadium on 13th Dec.
Thousands of fans… pic.twitter.com/XthABJgbpR
— IPRDepartment (@IPRTelangana) December 7, 2025
Medical support has been bolstered with five ambulances. Vendors and black-ticket sellers are under strict watch, with mobile teams deployed.
Organisers, including Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) and Hyderabad Talkies, emphasise the event’s focus on fan safety and enjoyment.
As Hyderabad hosts this unique fusion of sport and politics, the city stands ready for a secure, star-filled spectacle honoring the “GOAT.” The action escalates with a penalty shootout at 8:13 PM — three shots per team to crown the GOAT Cup winner.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will enter at 8:18 PM for a group photo with the teams and kids on standby. Later, the soccer stars participate in “Tiki Taka” sessions across four zones designated as “Children’s Clinic,” engaging with young fans in skill-building activities until 8:32 PM.
A parade walk around the stadium follows at 8:38 PM, with Messi, CM Reddy, Rahul Gandhi, Suárez, and De Paul waving to fans.
The event shifts to an on-ground stage at 8:48 PM for introductions, with Messi positioned center-stage flanked by Reddy and Gandhi.
Ceremonies continue with Messi greeting organisers at 8:51 PM, presenting the GOAT Cup (with Gandhi handing over to the runners-up), and felicitations.
