AI trend pokes fun at Rs 10 lakh per selfie with Messi

Lionel Messi’s brief visit to India sparked a selfie craze, with reports of fans paying hefty sums for a photo with the football icon. Those priced out turned to AI-generated selfies, flooding social media and proving that wit can outshine wealth in the age of technology

Hyderabad: When Lionel Messi landed in India, it was not just football fever that swept the country, but also a selfie frenzy. Considered one of the greatest footballers of this era, Messi’s brief visit to cities such as Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi turned into a once-in-a-lifetime moment for fans desperate for a glimpse of the Argentine legend.

For those hoping to stand next to the star footballer and capture the moment forever, the price tag was eye-watering. Reports suggested that a selfie with Messi came at a cost of Rs.10 lakh, a sum that only a handful could afford. While some fans gladly paid the premium, most could only watch from afar.

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But in a country where jugaad often meets humour, Indians found a smarter and cheaper alternative. Enter artificial intelligence.

Social media platforms, particularly X, were flooded with AI-generated selfies featuring Messi standing shoulder to shoulder with fans. From tea stalls to office desks, the football icon appeared everywhere, thanks to generative AI tools. Many users cheekily captioned their posts, “Look, I took a selfie with Messi, without spending 10 lakh rupees,” taking a playful dig at the hefty price tag.

The trend quickly went viral, blurring the line between reality and imagination. While the real Messi may have met only a select few, AI ensured that millions could claim a moment with the legend.

As technology continues to redefine fandom, one thing is clear. In the age of AI, even superstar selfies are no longer reserved for the wealthy, but for the witty.

Here are some posts on X:

Lionel Messi hyderabad tour is one to be remembered
Gemini prompt:
An ultra-realistic selfie taken at arm’s length by the man from the uploaded image (keep his face 100% identical). The perspective is pure selfie view, with part of his extended arm slightly visible as he holds… pic.twitter.com/JnQqSH46yb

— Mahesh (@Mahesh171819) December 13, 2025

मैंने भी 10 लाख रुपए weste नहीं किया। बस कुछ समय खर्चे हुआ।
और हमनें भी Messi के साथ Selfie ले ली।
अब कुछ जलनखोर आयेंगे। और बोलेंगे AI से बनाई हैं@vannumeena0 🫣🥰#CMsir_चतुर्थ_श्रेणी_पद_बढ़ाओ #MessiInIndia #Messi𓃵 https://t.co/fDYWv9FePg pic.twitter.com/E52MTWo1hL

— ASHISH KUMAR SHIRRA❤️🇮🇳 (@ashishshirra15) December 15, 2025

Messi experiencing some of our Indian street foods pic.twitter.com/9lUl9WUNBt

— Harish M K (@HMK2K4) December 15, 2025