Cirque du Soleil’s latest football-inspired show coming to Doha

Doha to host the Asia/Middle East debut of Messi 10 Show to be performed in Ali bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena from 27 Feb to 7 March, 2020

Whether they are fans of football talent or captivating acrobatics, audiences are in for a spectacular treat this spring as Qatar National Tourism Council partners with Cirque du Soleil to bring their latest production ‘Messi 10’ to Qatar.

Messi 10 is an immersive experience which combines classical circus acts such as trampoline, trapeze and tightrope artists with never-before seen disciplines, audiovisual material and videos highlighting Messi’s best plays, as well as exclusive images especially produced for the show. It tells the story of a young man with boundless ambition who overcomes all obstacles to become one of the greatest football players of his time.

Akbar Al Baker, Secretary General of QNTC and GCEO of Qatar Airways, commented, “We are excited to host the Asia and Middle East debut of this show which brings together unique entertainment and football, two things dear to audiences in Qatar. The Ali bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena offers the ideal multi-purpose venue for a show that will inspire, entertain and provide a unique attraction for visitors from around the region.”

Organised in collaboration with Alchemy Project Entertainment, the show will be performed from 27 February to 7 March, 2020 in Ali bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena. Tickets will go on sale on Tixbox starting from 15 January.

Messi 10 comes to Doha as part of a limited tour through Barcelona, Buenos Aires, and other Argentinian cities.

“When I was first approached, it seemed both crazy and incredible that Cirque du Soleil would create a show based on my passion for football. Cirque du Soleil is a family favourite of ours and we have enjoyed many of its productions”, said Leo Messi. “I loved the show and I was deeply touched. It truthfully reflects what I feel every time I set foot on the football field.”

47 Artists from 19 different countries lead the audience on a euphoric 90 minute thrill ride that brings together the electric atmosphere of stadiums and the intimacy of theatre.

“Interpreting the greatness of Lionel Messi in a live show was a thrilling challenge for Cirque du Soleil, and we couldn’t be more proud of this premiere”, explained Jonathan Tétrault, President of Cirque du Soleil. “Together with PopArt Music and Sony Music Latin America, we have created a stunning show that will raise the audience from their seats and inspire them to reach the impossible.”

Originally composed of 20 street performers in 1984, Cirque du Soleil has completely reinvented circus arts to create a new form of entertainment centred on human performance, without animals. Its shows take traditional circus arts to a whole new level, mixing state-of-the art costumes, captivating music and astonishing staging, creating a powerful theatrical experience. With 42 unique productions, Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to over 190 million spectators in 60 countries.