Former Indian footballer Anadi Barua has shared his excitement about Lionel Messi’s visit to India as part of his G.O.A.T. Tour 2025. Messi arrived in Kolkata early Saturday and has plans to visit Hyderabad and Mumbai before concluding his trip in Delhi.
Barua expressed his gratitude on behalf of fans, noting, “I really thank Messi for coming to India. People in Kerala, Bengal, and Maharashtra idolize him.” He highlighted the lack of a strong football culture in India and suggested that if Messi played a couple of matches here, it could greatly benefit the sport. He also proposed sending Indian coaches to Argentina to enhance their skills.
Unfortunately, Messi’s event in Kolkata didn’t go smoothly. Many fans were upset when he left earlier than expected, leading to a chaotic scene at Salt Lake Stadium. Frustrated attendees started throwing objects, disrupting the event further.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) clarified that they were not involved in organizing the event, which was managed by a private agency. They expressed concern over the situation and urged attendees to maintain order for everyone’s safety.
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose announced that the event’s organizer has been arrested due to the chaos. He assured that the situation is now under control, and participants would receive refunds for their tickets.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologized for the mismanagement during the event, stating it disturbed many fans and sports lovers. She promised to form an inquiry committee to investigate the incident and prevent future issues.
This incident also reflects a broader issue in the sports world. Interest in football is growing in India, signaling the potential for more events featuring international stars. Engaging with sports legends could inspire young players and promote football culture in the country.
According to a recent survey, only 13% of Indian youth identify football as their favorite sport, with cricket still dominating. However, collaborations with global icons like Messi could change that.
In summary, Messi’s visit was a mix of admiration and chaos, showcasing both the love for football in India and the need for better event management in the future.
For more insights on sports and fan engagement, check out this FIFA report.
