Cirque du Soleil is set to captivate Buenos Aires in October with a theatrical celebration of Argentine soccer maestro Lionel Messi’s journey. The show comes alive in a city where memories of Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar remain fresh.
The ‘Messi10’ spectacle pays homage to Messi’s iconic jersey number, charting his rise from a young boy in Rosario to his crowning glory as a world champion.
Sean McKeown, the artistic director of Cirque du Soleil, shared during the Buenos Aires preview, “The unique aspect of this show is that the legend [Messi] is still active, so he had to give his nod.” When Messi was approached with the show’s concept, he emphasized his family’s values.
“We have a segment in the show named ‘Family’, emphasizing his grounded nature and deep connection to his roots,” added McKeown.
Audiences will be treated to musical numbers like the World Cup hit ‘Muchachos’ by La Mosca, brought to life by 34 talented acrobats in a setting mimicking a soccer stadium.
This mesmerizing tribute to Messi first debuted in Barcelona in 2019 when Messi played there. Cirque du Soleil has been evolving, not just sticking to traditional circus acts but also celebrating global music legends and forging collaborations with video gaming entities.
The pandemic led to a delay in ‘Messi10’s’ global tour plans.
“We’ve always envisioned a show that salutes the sporting journey of a living legend like Leo,” expressed Matias Loizaga, the executive producer of ‘Messi10’.
The stage is set for October 5 in Buenos Aires, with anticipations high for Messi’s presence. McKeown believes, “This is the perfect moment for the show’s premiere here. The Argentine audience will instantly resonate with it.”
The production has its sights set on a Latin American tour 2024, with a stop scheduled in the Dominican Republic in April.
As the world continues navigating the aftermath of the pandemic, the arts and sports unite in a unique fusion to reignite passion and unity among fans. Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Messi10’ stands as a testament to the power of storytelling, bringing the legacy of a football legend to the stage and creating a universal experience for all to cherish.
