Lionel Messi’s scheduled visit to India in December has generated widespread excitement among football fans across the country, but fresh details related to a premium interaction opportunity prompted strong reactions online due to its pricing.
The Argentine footballer, who captained his national side to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, is expected to arrive in India on Saturday, December 13. As per the announced itinerary, Messi is set to reach Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium at 10:30 am, marking the first stop of his multi-city visit.
Messi’s trip formed part of the GOAT India Tour, under which he is scheduled to travel to four Indian cities — Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi and Hyderabad. Each stop is expected to attract significant public interest, particularly from fans who have followed his career for years without ever seeing him in person.
While anticipation around the visit remained high, organisers later confirmed that a paid meet-and-greet session would take place in Hyderabad following the Kolkata event. According to details shared by the organisers of The GOAT India Tour, a single photograph with Messi has been priced at Rs 9.95 lakh, excluding GST. The interaction is limited to 100 participants.
The meet-and-greet is scheduled to be held at Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad. Bookings for the experience are open through the District app.
The pricing immediately sparked extensive discussion online, with users expressing a mix of humour, disbelief and disappointment. Several posts circulated suggesting alternative ways to mark the moment without paying the full amount.
One user wrote, “I will get an autograph on an RCB T-shirt and auction it.”
Another reacted to the cost by saying, “10 lakhs for a handshake and photo? For that price, Messi should come home and play FIFA with me.”
A third comment read, “9.95 lakh for a photo with Messi? At this point, even my bank app got emotional and force closed itself.”
Other remarks continued in a similar tone. One user commented, “For that price he should at least dribble past my landlord and negotiate my rent too.”
The announcement also triggered comparisons with other football stars. One social media user remarked, “Ronaldo fans finally winning something, saving money.”
Some users suggested using artificial intelligence tools instead of attending the meet-and-greet. One wrote, “There are 3 alternatives: Ask Nano Banana Pro to generate a nice selfie of you with Messi. Costs almost nothing, go to Argentina, take a photo and come back — costs almost half — or wait for Ronaldo and spend this money on him.”
Another user said, “Will fly to Argentina with this cost and take a photo instead of a selfie.”
Yet another added, “Gemini will do it for free.”
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