Last weekend, I visited The Messi Experience in Dubai with my 3.5-year-old son, and it turned out to be an adventure for both of us. As a casual football fan with a son who’s just beginning to kick balls around our living room, I wasn’t sure how this would go – but I’m happy to report it exceeded all expectations!

Overall Experience

From the moment we walked in, The Messi Experience captivated both of us in different ways. For me, seeing the journey of one of football’s greatest players was fascinating. For my little boy, the interactive elements and games kept him engaged throughout our visit. The staff were incredibly helpful, offering assistance whenever needed and showing extra patience with my energetic toddler.

The experience strikes a perfect balance between being a serious tribute to Messi’s accomplishments and an entertaining venue that keeps visitors of all ages engaged. I would definitely recommend this for football fans, but even those with a casual interest (like me) will find it enjoyable.

Exhibits and Highlights

• Messi’s Childhood Room: This recreation of where Messi grew up was surprisingly emotional. Seeing the humble beginnings of such a global icon put his journey into perspective. My son was fascinated by the “little boy’s room” and it gave us a moment to talk about dreams in a way he could understand.
• Interactive Games: These were the absolute highlight for my son! The “Precision” game where you kick balls at targets had him jumping with excitement. The staff were amazing at adjusting the difficulty so even a toddler could participate. I even managed to score a few points myself!
• AR Locker Room Experience: The augmented reality conversation with Messi was interesting. My son’s eyes went wide when “Messi” appeared to be speaking directly to us. The technology is seamless and creates a genuinely magical moment.
• Interactive Selfie: Taking a “photo” with virtual Messi was the perfect ending. My son couldn’t stop giggling when he saw himself on screen with his new “friend Messi” as he called him.

Kid-Friendly Rating

As a parent bringing a 3.5-year-old, I was pleasantly surprised by how child-friendly the experience is. Here’s my breakdown:

• Engagement Level: Even with my son’s limited attention span, the variety of interactive elements kept him engaged throughout our 90-minute visit.
• Staff Interaction: The team members were exceptional with children, getting down to my son’s level to explain things and showing genuine delight at his excitement.
• Physical Accessibility: The space is well-designed for small children, with most interactive elements accessible at different heights. My son could reach most of what he needed to without being constantly lifted.
• Patience Factor: There are enough different activities that when my son needed a break from one thing, we could easily move to another.

Tips for Parents with Young Children

• Pace Yourself: Don’t rush through. We found it better to spend more time at fewer exhibits rather than trying to see everything quickly.
• Photo Opportunities: There are plenty of great photo spots, so keep your phone ready! The lighting is excellent throughout the venue.
• Prepare for the Exit: Like many attractions, you exit through the gift shop. Having a conversation about souvenir expectations beforehand helps (we agreed on one small item).

Final Thoughts

The Messi Experience successfully creates an immersive journey that appeals to die-hard football fans while remaining accessible to casual visitors and children. My son has been talking about “playing football with Messi” since our visit, and I’ve found myself appreciating the artistry and dedication of Messi’s career in a new way.

For anyone wondering if it’s worth visiting with young children – absolutely yes! The interactive elements transform what could have been a static exhibition into an engaging playground that connects generations through the universal language of sport.

This experience has given my son and me a special memory together, and perhaps planted the seeds for a future football fan. Whether you’re a Messi devotee or simply looking for a unique activity in Dubai, The Messi Experience delivers an entertaining and surprisingly touching experience.

Practical Information

• Location: The Messi Experience is located outside Dubai Festival City Mall in Dubai. You can easily reach it by car or taxi, with ample parking available nearby.
• Ticket Prices: Tickets start from around AED 149 for adults, with discounts available for children. Family packages are also available, offering better value.
• Opening Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM (last entry at 9 PM).
• Duration: Plan for at least 90 minutes to enjoy the full experience without rushing.
• Booking: I recommend booking tickets online in advance through their official website: The Messi Experience Dubai
• Accessibility: The venue is wheelchair and stroller accessible with ramps throughout.