Former Footballer Criticizes Messi’s India Visit as Marketing Gimmick

Lionel Messi’s three-day tour to India has sparked controversy, with former India and Mohun Bagan midfielder Gautam Sarkar dismissing the visit as a publicity stunt rather than a genuine contribution to Indian football. Sarkar contrasted Messi’s itinerary with Pele’s 1977 visit, when the Brazilian legend actually participated in matches alongside Indian players.

Pele’s Legacy Versus Messi’s Exhibition

Sarkar expressed his frustration to PTI, stating, “These are nothing but gimmicks. Messi is coming only to do a handshake… Pele had come here and actually played with us.” The Brazilian icon visited India three times during his career, leaving a lasting impact by engaging directly in competitive football. Sarkar emphasized that Pele’s contributions went far beyond ceremonial appearances, setting a stark contrast with the current tour’s agenda.

Focus Should Be on Developing Indian Football

Rather than celebrating celebrity visits, Sarkar urged stakeholders to prioritize improving domestic football infrastructure and talent development. “Instead of bringing Messi, our focus should be on how to improve football in the country. We must give utmost priority to Indian football and bring back the glory of the past,” he remarked. His comments reflect broader concerns about whether high-profile international visits genuinely benefit Indian sports development or merely serve as marketing opportunities.

Messi will visit Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai over three days, participating in meet-and-greets, exhibition matches, and charity events. The FIFA World Cup-winning captain, who is the second-most followed footballer on social media, will return on December 15. However, unlike Pele’s impactful visits, Messi will not play in any official matches during his India tour.