Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra has voiced his concerns regarding Lionel Messi's recent tour of India, questioning whether the resources spent on the spectacle could have been better utilized to develop a sporting culture at the grassroots level. Messi's three-day, four-city "G.O.A.T Tour" sparked immense excitement across the country, but also drew criticism for its chaotic organization and the prioritization of VIP access over genuine fan engagement.
Bindra expressed his unease in a detailed post on X, stating that while he respects Messi immensely, the tour felt "chaotic" and prompted him to reflect on what India was trying to achieve. He acknowledged that people have the right to spend their money as they choose, but questioned whether the millions spent on "moments of proximity photographs and fleeting access" could have been better invested in the foundations of sports in India.
The former shooter emphasized that his remarks were not a criticism of Messi, recognizing him as a global icon whose story transcends sports. He understands the economics of sports, global branding, and the magnetism of icons like Messi. However, Bindra believes that admiration should also invite introspection. He raised a "hard-hitting question" on whether India is truly investing in a sporting culture or merely celebrating global stars from afar.
Messi's tour included stops in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, and is set to conclude in New Delhi with a football clinic. While the tour generated significant media attention and drew massive crowds, the Kolkata leg was marred by mismanagement, leading to public anger and vandalism at the Salt Lake Stadium after many fans who paid for tickets were unable to get a clear glimpse of Messi. This fueled the debate about the tour's purpose and impact.
Bindra argued that great sporting nations are not built by fleeting spectacles but by systems, patience, and belief in the potential of ordinary children with extraordinary dreams. He urged India to focus on creating a robust sporting culture by investing in playgrounds, coaching, and talent development pathways. He believes that inspiration from icons like Messi is important, but it must be met with intent and long-term commitment.
Bindra questioned whether the resources used for organizing such a spectacle could have been better utilized, asking, "As a society, are we building a culture of sport, or are we simply celebrating individuals from afar?". He suggested that the most meaningful way to honor a legend like Messi is to create a sporting culture where future generations can thrive. By fostering a love for sports at the grassroots level and providing the necessary infrastructure and support, India can build a lasting legacy that extends far beyond fleeting moments with global icons.
