GOAT Tour: Messi’s visit shows India loves football icons — just not Indian Football

Lionel Messi’s India tour exposed a stark paradox: Indians passionately celebrate global football icons but neglect their own game. While crores were spent on celebrity appearances, Indian football leagues struggle for survival, sponsors, and audiences. The frenzy highlighted misplaced priorities, where social media clout outweighs sustaining domestic football, leaving Indian players, clubs, and the sport itself at a crossroads.