Hyderabad Gears Up for Messi Mania as Uppal Stadium Prepares for December 13 Friendly
Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka reviews fool-proof security and crowd-management plans as thousands of fans are expected for Lionel Messi’s high-profile match during the Telangana Rising Global Summit.
The excitement around Lionel Messi’s friendly football match at Uppal Stadium on December 13 is already palpable, and Telangana is gearing up for an unprecedented influx of fans from across the country.
After reviewing the preparations on Sunday, Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu assured that meticulous, fool-proof arrangements are being put in place for the high-profile event.
Speaking to the media after an inspection of the stadium, he said that the very mention of a match involving the globally adored football legend is enough to electrify fans.
“Thousands of football lovers from all corners of India will be in Hyderabad for this match,” he said, adding that the city is already in a festive mood as celebrations for the Telangana Rising Global Summit get underway.
The Deputy Chief Minister noted that Messi commands extraordinary global attention and security wherever he travels. With the star scheduled to play a friendly match against a team led by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, he said the state machinery is leaving nothing to chance. All security protocols are being personally monitored, with special focus from the Rachakonda and Hyderabad Police Commissioners.
Officials from the police and the Hyderabad Cricket Association briefed the Deputy Chief Minister on the arrangements being made inside and around the venue. He also reviewed the dedicated routes planned for Messi’s movement, as well as for the Chief Minister, ministers, and other VIPs.
Bhatti Vikramarka appealed to spectators to arrive early to avoid congestion and to cooperate with security teams. “Considering the large turnout expected, reaching the stadium ahead of time will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience,” he said.
He added that all facilities for fans—right from entry gates and seating plans to parking and transport—are being streamlined. Metro Rail and RTC services will also be strengthened on match day to handle the surge of football enthusiasts.
The match comes at a time when Hyderabad is hosting a string of prominent global personalities, CEOs and heads of major organisations for the upcoming Global Summit.
Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu, Additional DGP Vijay Kumar, Rachakonda CP Sudheer Babu, Rohan Reddy, Shiva Sain Reddy and other senior officials accompanied the Deputy Chief Minister during his inspection at Uppal Stadium.