Fans hold posters of Argentinian football... ... Uppal Turns Festive as Messi Craze Sweeps Hyderabad During ‘GOAT Cup’

 Fans hold posters of Argentinian football star Lionel Messi as they cheer from the stands before his arrival during the GOAT India Tour 2025 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on December 13, 2025. Messi will unveil a 21-metre (70-foot) statue of himself in India on December 13, as he embarks on a three-day tour of the country that has sparked a fan frenzy. - AFP

Beyond Cricket: How Lionel Messi Became India’s Most Beloved Football Icon

Lionel Messi has transcended the boundaries of sport to become a significant cultural icon in India, a nation where cricket traditionally reigns supreme. His appeal inspires profound admiration across all linguistic, regional, and generational divides—a level of devotion rarely afforded to a non-cricketing athlete.

For countless Indian admirers, Messi represents more than just a football legend. He embodies qualities such as artistry, perseverance, and quiet humility, which deeply resonate in a society that respects the journey of struggle and the grace of success. Globally recognised, he symbolises the essence of the "beautiful game."

The enthusiasm for Messi has recently intensified with the announcement of his potential visit to India for a goodwill and charity tour. This news has sparked extraordinary excitement, described by fans as a "once-in-a-lifetime moment." Supporters are prepared to travel vast distances, viewing his arrival not just as a sporting fixture but as a national celebration.

This fervent passion is particularly evident in Kolkata, India's renowned football capital. The planned installation of a towering 70-foot statue in his honor highlights the deep emotional connection between Indian fans and the Argentine icon—a tribute seldom given to even India's own sporting heroes.

As discussions continue regarding exhibition matches, fan meet-and-greets, and community outreach during his stay, Messi's visit is anticipated to be a watershed moment for Indian football. His influence has already boosted interest in international tournaments and ignited grassroots enthusiasm, proving that even within cricket's stronghold, football, propelled by Messi's magic, has established a powerful and enduring presence.