When global football icon Lionel Messi visited India as part of his much-publicised “GOAT India Tour,” the country witnessed massive excitement, packed venues, and overwhelming fan enthusiasm. But amid the celebrations and chaos, a calm yet powerful voice stood out — Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra.
Bindra’s tweet did not criticise Messi. Instead, it raised an important question that struck a chord across India’s sporting community: Are we celebrating sport, or just celebrity?
What Abhinav Bindra Said — And What He Meant
In his post on X (formerly Twitter), Abhinav Bindra began by praising Lionel Messi, calling him a rare athlete whose journey has inspired millions across the world. He made it very clear that his thoughts were not directed against Messi, who has earned global respect through sheer hard work, discipline, and excellence.
However, Bindra admitted he felt “quietly uneasy” while watching how Messi’s India visit unfolded.
His concern was not about the football legend himself, but about how the event was organised and what it represented.
The Problem Highlighted by Bindra
During Messi’s visit, reports emerged of:
- Poor crowd management
- Confused ticketing and limited access for fans
- Enormous spending on VIP appearances and brief photo opportunities
- Disappointed supporters who barely got a glimpse of the football star
Bindra used this moment to highlight a deeper issue — millions of rupees are spent on short-term celebrity events, while grassroots sports in India continue to struggle for basic funding, facilities, and coaching support.
A Larger Question About India’s Sporting Culture
Bindra’s tweet raised a powerful question:
Are we building a strong sporting culture, or are we only celebrating icons from a distance?
According to him, bringing legends like Messi to India can be inspiring, but inspiration alone is not enough. What India truly needs is long-term investment in:
- Sports infrastructure
- Young athletes at the grassroots level
- Coaching systems and training academies
- Access to sports beyond major cities
Without this foundation, grand events become momentary spectacles rather than meaningful steps forward.
Why Bindra’s Words Matter
Abhinav Bindra is not just a commentator — he is someone who understands the system from the inside. As India’s first individual Olympic gold medallist, he knows what it takes to produce world-class athletes.
That is why his words resonated with many. He did not attack the celebration of Messi’s greatness. Instead, he urged India to balance admiration with action — to turn inspiration into infrastructure.
The Takeaway
Lionel Messi’s visit reminded India of the power of sport to unite people. Abhinav Bindra’s tweet reminded India of something equally important — great sporting nations are not built on events alone, but on sustained effort, planning, and support for athletes at home.
Both messages matter. Together, they offer India a moment to reflect, reset, and rethink its sporting priorities.
