Sports

Save Indian football! When Lionel Messi reached India, the girl made an emotional appeal with a poster

By Samira Vishwas

New Delhi: The arrival of Argentine football legend and World Cup winner Lionel Messi in Kolkata as part of the much-awaited three-day GOAT Tour was already in the headlines. The tight security at the airport, the flashes of cameras and the excitement of the fans, everything was like welcoming a global superstar. But the most impactful moment in this crowd came not from any VIP movement, but from a simple poster held in the hand of a young female fan.

There were only two words on that hand-written placard – Save Indian Football. This small scene quickly went viral on social media and within no time it became the center of debate on the current situation of Indian football. Many fans called it a glimpse of the ground reality of the game in the country.

How long will Messi stay in India?

Lionel Messi has already reached India and will stay in the country from 13 to 15 December. During this period, his tour is limited to four cities Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi. The entire program has to be completed in a very tight and fixed schedule, which is being seen as a quick publicity tour of 72 hours. The tour focuses more on symbolic events and public appearances than on sporting activities, which has made many football fans uncomfortable.

Messi tour collides with the crisis of Indian football

This visit of Messi is taking place at a time when Indian football is going through a period of serious uncertainty. The All India Football Federation has so far neither been able to decide on a sponsor nor a broadcast partner for the Indian Super League. Despite mid-December having passed, it is not clear when the league will restart or whether it will return to its old form or not. In such a situation, Messi’s presence seems disconnected from the ground reality to many people.

From statue unveiling to 7v7 match

Messi will virtually unveil a 70-feet tall statue in Kolkata. After this he will go to Hyderabad, where he will take part in a 7v7 exhibition match. The presence of Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is also said to be certain in this match. Apart from this, his program also includes meetings with three Chief Ministers, the Prime Minister and many famous personalities.

Changed stance after meeting Sunil Chhetri

Earlier it was revealed that Sunil Chhetri, former captain of India and one of the top goal scorers in the history of international football, had rejected the invitation to meet Messi. It was then said that such a meeting would not have any special meaning. However now the situation has changed. Both are likely to meet in Mumbai on December 14, for which there is also talk of political pressure. It is believed that this meeting will be only a formal and one-time conversation.

Distance from Indian players, meeting leaders and stars

Apart from Sunil Chhetri, no other Indian footballer has any plan to meet Messi. Interestingly, due to the Indian Super League being stalled, no such opportunity was created despite the players having time. Messi’s time has been scheduled to be spent with politicians, Bollywood celebrities and senior sports officials instead of players, which has been questioned by fans.

Meet-and-greet worth Rs 10 lakh becomes cause of controversy

A premium meet-and-greet package has also been offered by the organizers for Rs 10 lakh. Under this, a limited number of fans will get a chance to shake hands with Messi and get photographed.

There has been a strong reaction on social media regarding this ultra-exclusive ticket. Many supporters say that such huge sums are beyond the reach of ordinary fans and that a historic football moment has become a luxury for the few.

Samira Vishwas 1206 posts 0 comments
You might also like More from author

Comments are closed.