Barcelona hosts the world premiere of Messi10 by Cirque du Soleil, and will be the only city in Europe where you can see this blockbuster inspired by the Argentinian footballer and by the values of football.
After dedicating shows to Michael Jackson, the Beatles and Elvis, and collaborating with James Cameron on the show dedicated to 'Avatar', this is the first time that Cirque du Soleil has been inspired by a sport legend. The biggest challenge has been to unite two worlds as different as those of circus and football, and the result is a show divided into two 45-minute parts – like in a football match – with about 20 numbers that represent qualities that Messi and football have, such as speed, balance and imbalance, strength, confidence and vision through traditional disciplines of the circus and others that are more innovative, at the request of Messi himself.
Messi10 by Cirque du Soleil tells the story of a young man who overcomes all obstacles to see his dream come true, showing that there's a 10 inside us all. On stage is a representation of a football pitch with a central circle where the action takes place, and stands on both sides, making the audience like the typical rival supporters at a match.
This is one of the most technological Cirque du Soleil shows ever, both on stage, with two giant screens and robotics, as well as in the locker room, since highly innovative techniques and materials have been used to create the spectacular costumes that have made the Canadian-born circus famous, while at the same time they are extremely comfortable and light for the performers.
If you pay a separate entrance fee and get there three hours before the main event, you can participate in the Messi Challenge by La Liga, an interactive experience where you can show off everything you know about Leo Messi. Here's how it works: you go in and get a wristband that will keep track of the points you earn both in the knowledge and physical tests. The person (there are categories for adults and children) who has the most points at the end of the event is the Messi of the day and gets a small part in the show after!