TOPIC OF THE DAY: LIONEL MESSI IN INDIA

TOPIC OF THE DAY: LIONEL MESSI IN INDIA

When the Little Magician Cast a Giant Spell

Lionel Messi during New England Revolution vs Inter Miami on July 9, 2025

Author:  Bryan Berlin

Public domain 

Via WIKIMEDIA COMMONS 

Lionel Messi may belong to Argentina, but his magic has always known no borders. In India — a country traditionally obsessed with cricket — Messi enjoys a fan following that rivals that of the greatest sporting heroes. His brief physical presence in India was fleeting, but his emotional footprint has been deep and enduring.

A Historic Visit: Kolkata, 2011

Messi’s most memorable connection with India came in September 2011, when he visited Kolkata to play an international friendly between Argentina and Venezuela at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium. For Indian football lovers, especially in football-crazy Bengal and Kerala, this was nothing short of a dream come true.

Nearly 85,000 spectators packed the stadium, many wearing Argentina’s sky-blue and white jersey, chanting Messi’s name with near-religious devotion. When Messi stepped onto Indian soil, it felt as though the footballing gods had finally smiled upon the country.

Though Argentina lost the match 1–0, the scoreline hardly mattered. Every touch by Messi — his dribbles, turns, and movement — was greeted with thunderous applause. The crowd had come not merely to watch a match, but to witness greatness.

India’s Emotional Bond with Messi

Messi’s popularity in India is not accidental. His story resonates deeply with Indian sensibilities:

A humble beginning

A soft-spoken personality

A man who let his talent speak louder than words

A relentless pursuit of excellence despite physical challenges

For millions of Indian fans, Messi represents quiet determination, artistry, and integrity — values that transcend sport.

In states like Kerala, West Bengal, Goa, and the North-East, Messi is more than a footballer; he is an emotion. Walls are painted with his murals, cut-outs are erected during World Cups, and children learn football dreaming not of fame, but of playing like Messi.

Messi and the Rise of Football Fever in India

Messi’s presence, even if brief, gave Indian football fandom a powerful boost. His visit:

Sparked renewed interest in international football

Inspired young players to take up the sport

Reinforced India’s place on the global football map, even as a passionate audience

Television viewership of Argentina matches in India has consistently been among the highest outside South America — a silent testimony to Messi’s pull.

More Than a Visit — A Lasting Legacy

Lionel Messi may not visit India often, but he never truly leaves. Every World Cup, every Copa América, and every magical goal renews India’s love affair with the Argentine maestro.

In a land where heroes are revered deeply, Messi stands tall — not as a foreign icon, but as one of our own, adopted by the hearts of millions.

Messi came, Messi played, Messi conquered — not the scoreboard, but the soul of Indian football fans.

Grateful thanks to ChatGPT for its great help and support in creating this blogpost!🙏🙏🙏