Archive · 19 Dec 2025
Messi's India Tour Sparks Debate
Lionel Messi recently visited India for a special football tour, which attracted huge crowds and excitement.
However, the captain of India's football team, Sandesh Jhingan, expressed concern that while millions were spent on Messi's visit, there is little investment in developing Indian football.
He pointed out that domestic football leagues are not even starting, which makes him worry about the future of the sport in India.
The tour was so popular that it caused chaos in Kolkata, leading to the arrest of the event's organizer.
Jhingan acknowledged that people love football but questioned why they don't support their own players more.
Despite the current problems, he hopes Indian football can improve in the future.
Additionally, politicians and celebrities were criticized for hijacking the event for their own publicity, overshadowing the football itself.
Lionel Messi's 'GOAT Tour' in India drew massive crowds and excitement in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi.
Indian football captain Sandesh Jhingan criticized the lack of investment in domestic football despite the spending on Messi's tour.
Jhingan highlighted that domestic football is at a standstill with no official broadcast partner and leagues yet to commence.
The Kolkata leg of the tour descended into chaos, leading to the arrest of organizer Shatadru Datta.
Politicians and celebrities were criticized for hijacking the event for their own publicity, overshadowing the football itself.
- Who
- Lionel Messi, Sandesh Jhingan, Indian football community, politicians, celebrities
- What
- Debate on investment in Indian football amid Messi's tour and the behavior of politicians and celebrities during the event
- When
- Messi's tour took place recently, Jhingan's post on Wednesday
- Where
- Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi
- Why
- Jhingan questions the priority of investing in Indian football over hosting international stars; criticism of politicians and celebrities for hijacking the event
- Event
- Lionel Messi's 'GOAT Tour' in India
- Cities Visited
- Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi
- Indian Football Status
- Effectively at a standstill
- Domestic Leagues
- ISL and I-League yet to commence
- Critic
- Sandesh Jhingan, Indian football captain
- Organiser Arrested
- Shatadru Datta in Kolkata
- Public Response
- Massive crowds and high ticket prices
- Jhingan's Concern
- Lack of investment in Indian football
Sources
'While Messi draws crowds, Indian football hits standstill'
No willingness to invest in Indian football but crores spent on Messi tour: Sandesh Jhingan
GLOAT India Tour's Messi trophy: Football takes a back seat as politicians hijack the show
Less of Messi more of a shabby VVIP spectacle
I hope football has a bright future in India: Messi
Messi’s visit highlights growing concerns within Indian football