.jpeg)
The scenes at Kolkata airport—thousands braving the night to greet Lionel Messi—are a powerful testament to India's passion for global football.
This three-day, multi-city "GOAT Tour" is a commercial success and an emotional pilgrimage for millions of fans.
But as the spectacle unfolds, a critical question remains: Does Messi’s presence translate into progress for Indian football itself, or is it merely a glittering distraction from the game's deep-rooted issues?
The Immediate, Positive Impact (The Spectacle)
There is no debate that the visit delivers immediate, powerful benefits:
1. Unprecedented Mainstream Visibility
Messi’s visit instantly pulls football out of its pockets (like Kolkata, Goa, and Kerala) and onto the national stage, forcing it into conversations traditionally dominated by cricket. When the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers meet a football legend,the sport's status is elevated, making it impossible for the national media to ignore
2. Inspiring the Next Generation
Messi is an emotion, not just a player. His presence can serve as a powerful catalyst for grassroots participation.
Young children who see the World Cup winner in person or on TV are more likely to pick up a ball, enroll in an academy, and take the sport seriously. The "Master Class" events, however brief, offer invaluable moments of connection.
3. Attracting Corporate Investment
The sheer volume of corporate sponsors involved in the GOAT Tour (led by key partners like HSBC India) sends a crucial message to the market:
global-standard football events are commercially viable in India. This financial validation can motivate more companies to invest not just in one-off events, but potentially in academies, local leagues, and long-term partnerships, which are critical for sustainability.
The Long-Term Hurdle (The Irony)
The main critique—and the core challenge—is the nature of the tour itself. As many local legends and experts have noted, the current tour is promotional and commercial, with little competitive football.
1. Disconnected from Domestic Football
The major irony is that Messi’s visit occurs during a period of chaos in the domestic game. The Indian Super League (ISL) clubs are in crisis talks with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) over commercial rights, with the league's structure and financial stability currently on hold.
"The irony of it: Messi visits India, but the country's top football league remains in limbo." - India Today If the top-tier league can't secure a stable commercial partner, the excitement generated by Messi has nowhere to flow, leaving the domestic ecosystem fractured.
2. Lack of Meaningful Engagement
Unlike his 2011 visit to Kolkata where he played a friendly match, the current tour is focused on meet-and-greets, celebrity appearances, and fashion shows. Without playing a substantial exhibition game against or with Indian players, the visit offers less in terms of technical legacy or direct experience for local professionals.
3. The 'Glittering Distraction' Risk
The fear is that the spectacular success of the tour acts as a glittering distraction from the more tedious,
yet vital, tasks facing Indian football: improving grassroots facilities, implementing effective promotion/relegation systems, and ensuring good governance at the AIFF.
The Verdict: A Necessary Spark, Not a Solution
Lionel Messi’s visit provides a necessary injection of energy, media attention, and commercial interest that Indian football desperately needs. It is an unmatched spark for the passion of millions.
However, a single promotional visit, however grand, cannot fix structural flaws. For the "GOAT Effect" to truly boost Indian football, the momentum generated by Messi's celebrity must be harnessed and directed by the AIFF and corporate India into:
1.Sustainable ISL/I-League funding.
2.Investment in training academies and coaching standards.
3.A clear, unified pathway from grassroots to the national team.
If those structures are built, Messi’s 2025 visit will be remembered as the moment the world's biggest star pointed the spotlight toward India’s footballing future.