FIFA Final Fever Grips Hyderabad

Hyderabad holds a special place for Lionel Messi, who visits the city and develops young players. “Fans are very excited to watch Messi because most of them have grown up watching him. His coming to Hyderabad was a great gift for us. Soon after his visit, football regained its appeal and even our team came back to the game,” said Dr Chiranjeevi Phanindra.

Eshita Nimje, cybersecurity expert and national football player from Bhopal, said: “Football has always been close to my heart. Having played at the national level in school, my FIFA journey began in 2010 by watching the World Cup with my father. 2026 was the first FIFA I spent away from home, but I didn’t feel it on this glorious night. After 30 sleepless nights of football, they provided me with the perfect way to celebrate the final.”

City-based fan club Corp Mallu, which is active on social media, has made a request to government agencies for live screenings in public places. “While most cities were asleep, Hyderabad chose to stay awake. By 12.30am, cafes, clubs, restaurants and bars across the city were packed with fans clad in jerseys, chanting slogans for every challenge, celebrating every goal and relishing every moment together. The FIFA final was more than a championship match; there was the possibility of witnessing one of Messi’s last appearances on football’s biggest stage. History was unfolding and no one wanted to experience it alone,” the group said.

They added: “What started as a conversation between a handful of enthusiasts revealed a much bigger story as requests for shared screening spaces poured in.”

Pubs, microbreweries, clubs and bars that received permission to extend their opening hours used the opportunity to create a festive atmosphere. Anthony Lawrence, from a bar in Gachibowli, said: “The venue has been given a sporty look. Moreover, we are concerned about customer safety. At every break our DJs announce the safety rules: ‘Don’t drink or drive’.”