India recently witnessed the unveiling of a 70-foot statue of Lionel Messi. As someone who genuinely admires Messi and his contribution to world football, this post does not come from a place of disrespect or negativity. Great athletes inspire generations, and Messi is undoubtedly one of the finest players the sport has ever seen.
However, admiration should also invite reflection. And that reflection led me to ask a simple, honest question: What does unveiling such a massive statue in India truly achieve for us as a nation or for the future of football here?
Thoughtful Discussion:
There is no denying Messi’s greatness. His discipline, consistency, humility, and achievements are lessons for athletes across the globe. Fans celebrating him is completely natural.
What feels confusing, however, is the scale of celebration, especially when it comes in the form of permanent structures like statues in a country where football infrastructure, grassroots training, and opportunities for young talent are still limited.
Interestingly, when temples are built, festivals are celebrated, or religious rituals like Abhishekam take place, a certain section of society is quick to question:
“Why spend money here? Why not build schools or hospitals instead?”
That question, whether one agrees with it or not, suddenly seems to disappear when it comes to celebrity worship, be it cinema or sports.
This is not about religion versus sports.
It is about consistency in thinking and accountability in priorities.
On Fan Culture & Reality:
Many fans spent ₹5,000 or more just to catch a glimpse of Messi during his visit, and ironically, most didn’t even get a clear view. That level of passion shows how deeply people love the game.
But imagine if even a fraction of that collective passion and money was redirected towards:
- Training young footballers
- Creating local academies
- Sponsoring underprivileged kids with talent
- Improving school-level sports infrastructure
Wouldn’t that create a much deeper, longer-lasting impact?
Adios,
Vrinda
