Hyatt Hotels has reached an exclusive partnership agreement to support “Messi and Friends vs. the World 2013,” an exhibition bringing 36 of the world’s top players to Chicago this July. Proceeds from the event benefit the children’s charity spearheaded by Argentine superstar, Lionel Messi. As part of the sponsorship arrangement, the hotel brand’s three Chicago properties — Hyatt Regency Chicago, Hyatt Regency McCormick Place and Park Hyatt Chicago — will host the players during their time in Chicago, welcome press from around the world for media events, and feature a special promotion for fans looking to stay in the official event hotels.
“We’re always looking for reasons to welcome people to Chicago, and this benefit is a great reason,” said Patrick Donelly, general manager of Hyatt Regency Chicago. “With Lionel Messi on the field, the eyes of the entire world will be on Chicago. We look forward to supporting and being associated with this great event.”
The Hyatt Regency McCormick Place stands less than one mile from historic Soldier Field, site of Messi’s event. The newly renovated facility regularly hosts events associated with the iconic Chicago stadium. The other Hyatt properties are also located near top Chicago landmarks and offer easy access to the game.
In addition to Messi, the world’s elite soccer stars participating in the Hyatt-sponsored friendly include Jose Manuel Pinto, Cesc Fabregas, Alex Song, Emiliano Insua, Mario Yepes, Ricky Alvarez, Pablo Aimar, Martin Demichelis, Diego Lugano, Walter Gargano, Alvaro Gonzalez, Dani Osvaldo, David Trezeguet, Giovani dos Santos, Jonathan dos Santos, Thierry Henry and Marco Fabian.
“This event will feature the world’s greatest players in a festival of soccer, the most popular sport on the planet,” said Sergio Codino, vice president of Numero 5, LLC, the match’s organizer. “The Messi and Friends friendly, much like the NFL Pro Bowl or the MLB All-Star Game, will provide fans with an incredible opportunity to witness the world’s greatest athletes from the world of soccer together on the field of competition before the FIFA World Cup in Brazil in 2014.”
As part of the promotion, Hyatt Regency Chicago, Hyatt Regency McCormick Place and Park Hyatt Chicago are offering special deals for soccer fans looking to attend the unique event and stay where the stars stay. The hotel group is offering a package that includes three nights in one of the properties and premium tickets to the game. Memorabilia is available at www.messiandfriends.net, the official website of the friendly game.
Details of the sponsorship were not released, however both sides indicated the arrangement was designed to maximize the ability of the Leo Messi Foundation in its ongoing initiative to help sick and at-risk Argentine children access opportunities to lead full, healthy lives. The charity was founded in 2007 by Lionel Messi, the highly decorated international soccer sensation. In 2010 UNICEF named Messi a goodwill ambassador, focused on supporting children’s rights.
