Hyderabad gears up for Messi visit with Z-category security, strict curbs at Uppal stadium
HYDERABAD: Telangana police have drawn up stringent security arrangements for Lionel Messi’s Hyderabad stop on the GOAT India Tour 2025, with the football icon set to travel under an elite Central Reserve Police Force shield and Z -category protection.
Director general of police B Shivadhar Reddy on Thursday reviewed preparations at Uppal stadium, which can seat 39,000 spectators. He later said information on security protocols and traffic diversions would be disseminated widely to ensure a smooth experience for fans.
CRPF, intelligence units firm up security grid
Close-quarter protection arrangements are being finalised jointly by CRPF teams and Telangana intelligence officials. Sources said Messi, travelling with a large contingent, would arrive at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport from Kolkata on a special flight on December 13 afternoon. A team of eight armed personnel will remain with him throughout his stay in the city.
Officials said Messi will be provided a green channel along all routes, allowing uninterrupted movement between the airport, Taj Falaknuma and Uppal stadium. Rachakonda police commissioner Sudheer Babu has been holding a series of review meetings to coordinate the overall security grid.
Venue restrictions, transport coordination announced
Police officials said only mobile phones will be allowed inside the stadium. Cameras, lighters, sharp objects, binoculars, water bottles, food items and other objects have been prohibited.
To manage the expected surge of fans, police are working with Hyderabad Metro Rail and Telangana State Road Transport Corporation to ensure seamless transport arrangements. Crowd-control measures are being strengthened in anticipation of tens of thousands of supporters converging on the stadium.
Messi to meet CM, entertain fans with penalty kicks
After landing in Hyderabad, Messi will proceed to Taj Falaknuma before heading via a secure motorcade reportedly through Santosh Nagar to Uppal stadium. The event schedule includes a brief interaction with chief minister A Revanth Reddy, followed by a series of signature Messi penalty kicks for the audience. The match is scheduled for 19.00 IST on December 13, 2025.
A police official said, “A large number of officers will be deployed to supervise security at the stadium.” The presence of VVIPs and celebrities is expected to add another layer to the security plan.
