Step inside Messi’s world: A dream experience lands in Dubai

Immersive exhibition lets fans train, play and relive key moments from his iconic career

Last updated:
A.K.S. Satish, Sports Editor
2 MIN READ
The Messi Experience is a dream come true for the fans to relive the Argentine GOAT's greatest moments and visit his bedroom and train with him.
The Messi Experience is a dream come true for the fans to relive the Argentine GOAT's greatest moments and visit his bedroom and train with him.
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Dubai: Ever dreamed of stepping into Lionel Messi’s boots — or even his bedroom?

A new exhibition in Dubai turns that fantasy into reality, offering fans the chance to train like the legend, relive his greatest moments, and walk through the life of one of football’s most beloved icons.

First time in the Middle East

The Messi Experience – A Dream Come True has arrived at Dubai Festival City Mall, marking its first stop in the Middle East, Europe or Africa. The 75-minute experience takes visitors through nine immersive zones across 2,500 square metres, using cutting-edge AI, interactive tech and never-before-seen content to tell the story of a boy from Rosario who conquered the world.

Fans can step into recreated match moments, explore exclusive personal stories, and even take a peek inside Messi’s childhood bedroom. Whether you’re a diehard supporter or just discovering the legend, the exhibition offers a playful, emotional, and hands-on tribute to the beautiful game.

“I am thrilled to see this project come to life and bring fans even closer to me — both on and off the field,” Messi said. “I have always sought to inspire and connect with people through my passion for soccer, and this experience will allow fans to relive the most unforgettable moments of my career.”

A milestone moment

The global tour has already made headlines in cities like Buenos Aires, Miami, Los Angeles and Sao Paulo. Matias Dominguez, Managing Director of Astra Partners — the official operator — said the Dubai stop was a “milestone moment” and hinted that this is just the beginning for similar experiences in the region.

Open throughout the summer months, The Messi Experience promises to be more than just a tribute. It’s a celebration of a legacy — one selfie, goal reenactment, and digital kickabout at a time.

A.K.S. Satish
A.K.S. SatishSports Editor
From playing on the pitch to analysing it from the press box, Satish has spent over three decades living and breathing sport. A cricketer-turned-journalist, he has covered three Cricket World Cups, the 2025 Champions Trophy, countless IPL seasons, F1 races, horse racing classics, and tennis in Dubai. Cricket is his home ground, but he sees himself as an all-rounder - breaking stories, building pages, going live on podcasts, and interviewing legends across every corner of the sporting world. Satish started on the back pages, and earned his way to the front, now leading the sports team at Gulf News, where he has spent 25 years navigating the fast-evolving game of journalism. Whether it’s a Super-Over thriller or a behind-the-scenes story, he aims to bring insight, energy, and a fan’s heart to every piece. Because like sport, journalism is about showing up, learning every day, and giving it everything.
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