Following Lionel Messi's highly publicized tour of India, national team defender Sandesh Jhingan has issued a passionate plea regarding the state of Indian football. The veteran player took to social media to express his concerns, highlighting what he perceives as a misplaced prioritization of investment.
Messi's visit, which saw him travel across four Indian cities and receive widespread adoration, brought into sharp focus the disparity between the popularity of international football and the struggles faced by the domestic game. Jhingan acknowledged the joy of witnessing packed stadiums and enthusiastic fans willing to spend significant sums to see the global icon. However, he juxtaposed this with the "difficult phase" currently plaguing Indian football, emphasizing the potential for the domestic ecosystem to collapse.
Jhingan directly questioned the financial priorities, pointing out the apparent contradiction of spending "crores" on the Messi tour while a perceived lack of investment threatens the very foundation of Indian football. He expressed concern that the country is "on the brink of having no active domestic football ahead of us". The Indian Super League, the country's top domestic league, has faced setbacks, including indefinite postponements, due to a lack of investment. This situation has left many fearing the worst for the future of the sport in the country.
The defender's plea resonates with frustrations voiced by fans and analysts alike, who have long lamented the insufficient support for grassroots development, infrastructure, and player development programs in India. While international events like the Messi tour undoubtedly generate excitement and short-term revenue, critics argue that they often come at the expense of long-term investment in the domestic game. The issue of visibility is also a factor, as VIP culture often overshadows public access during these high-profile visits, leaving ordinary fans feeling marginalized.
Jhingan's message serves as a call to action, urging fans to shift their attention inwards and support their own leagues and players. He hopes to spark change that will allow Indian football to establish a fresh foundation, especially after disappointing international results and the stagnation of domestic leagues. He emphasizes that genuine love for the sport should translate into tangible support for the local game, fostering an environment where Indian talent can thrive and the nation can compete on a global stage.
The situation reflects a broader debate about the role of celebrity endorsements and international spectacles in sports development. While these events can raise a country's profile and inspire a new generation of fans, they must be carefully balanced with sustained investment in domestic structures to ensure lasting progress. Jhingan's desperate plea underscores the urgent need for stakeholders to address the systemic issues hindering Indian football's growth and to prioritize the long-term health of the sport over short-term gains.
