Hyderabad: Authorities completed all arrangements at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, for the Messi friendly match taking place today under tight security.
Police deployed Z-plus security for Lionel Messi and positioned 3,500 personnel at the stadium and surrounding areas. The security plan covered entry points, seating zones and movement corridors.
Stadium officials spent ₹50 lakh on the event. As part of infrastructure upgrades, teams repaired seating, lighting systems, sheds and restroom facilities.
The RGI Stadium can host 38,000 spectators and has 59 corporate boxes. The venue has earlier hosted several domestic and league cricket matches.
Messi friendly match schedule and team details
Messi will arrive at Shamshabad airport from Kolkata between 3 pm and 4 pm today. From the airport, he will proceed through the green channel to Taj Falaknuma Palace.
At the hotel, Messi will take part in a meet-and-greet programme with fans. Later, he will reach Uppal Stadium at 6 pm.
Messi will interact with a children’s football team for about 15 minutes before kickoff. The Messi friendly match will begin at 7 pm.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy will lead the Singareni RR team, while Messi will play for the Aparna team. Officials said Revanth Reddy will share the field with Messi during the final five to ten minutes.
Messi’s friends, including Rodrigo and Luis Suarez, will also participate in the friendly match.