Lionel Messi’s much‑publicised three‑day India tour has sparked excitement across the country—but it has also drawn sharp criticism from former Indian footballers who believe the visit lacks sporting value. Among the strongest voices is Gautam Sarkar, former India international and Mohun Bagan legend, who slammed the nature of Messi’s tour, calling it a “gimmick” and reminding fans that Pele actually played football with Indian players during his visit, unlike Messi, who will not participate in any match.
Sarkar’s comments have ignited a nationwide debate about the purpose of celebrity tours, the commercialization of football events, and the contrast between past football icons and modern‑day superstars. Messi’s India visit—part of a promotional GOAT Tour covering Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi—has been criticised for offering no footballing engagement, no exhibition match, and no interaction with Indian players on the field.
The former Mohun Bagan midfielder expressed disappointment that Messi’s tour is purely commercial, unlike Pele’s historic 1977 visit, when the Brazilian legend played a full match against Mohun Bagan at Eden Gardens, creating one of the most iconic moments in Indian football history.
⭐ Why Gautam Sarkar Criticised Messi’s India Tour
Speaking to the media, Sarkar said:
“These are nothing but gimmicks. Messi is not playing any match. Pele played with us.”
His remarks highlight a deeper sentiment among former players who feel that India’s football culture deserves more than celebrity appearances and photo‑ops. Sarkar emphasised that Messi’s visit, while exciting for fans, does little to promote Indian football or inspire young players.
He also reminded fans that Pele visited India three times, and during his 1977 tour, he played a full match with Mohun Bagan, giving Indian footballers a once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity to share the field with the world’s greatest player.
📊 Comparing Pele’s 1977 Visit vs Messi’s 2025 Tour
| Category | Pele (1977) | Messi (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose of Visit | Football match with Mohun Bagan | Promotional GOAT Tour |
| Played a Match? | Yes – 2–2 draw at Eden Gardens | No |
| Interaction with Indian Players | On‑field, competitive match | Limited to events, no football |
| Fan Engagement | Purely football‑centric | Commercial events, meet‑and‑greets |
| Legacy | Historic moment in Indian football | Mixed reactions |
🔍 Why Messi’s Tour Is Facing Backlash
| Factor | Critics’ View | Fans’ View | Impact on Indian Football |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Football Match | Tour lacks sporting value | Still excited to see Messi | Limited developmental impact |
| Commercial Nature | Seen as a money‑making event | Fans willing to pay | No grassroots benefit |
| Comparison with Pele | Pele played with Indian players | Messi is a global icon | Highlights generational differences |
| Ticket Prices | Too expensive for common fans | Some see it as once‑in‑a‑lifetime | Excludes young aspiring players |
| Football Promotion | Missed opportunity | Star power boosts visibility | No technical or training sessions |
⚽ Pele’s Historic 1977 Match: A Benchmark for Football Tours
Pele’s visit to India in 1977 remains one of the most celebrated events in Indian football history. Playing for the New York Cosmos, Pele faced Mohun Bagan in front of over 80,000 fans at Eden Gardens. The match ended in a thrilling 2–2 draw, with Mohun Bagan earning global respect for their performance.
Sarkar, who was part of that legendary match, said that Pele’s humility and willingness to play with Indian footballers set a standard that modern stars should follow.
🌍 Messi’s India Tour: What It Includes
Messi’s three‑day GOAT Tour includes:
- Meet‑and‑greet events
- Promotional appearances
- Visits to Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi
- No football match
- No training session with Indian players
- No grassroots engagement
While fans are thrilled to see the Argentine legend, critics argue that the tour is designed purely for commercial gain.
🧭 Why Former Players Are Disappointed
1. No On‑Field Activity
Footballers like Sarkar believe that a global icon like Messi should engage with Indian players, especially youngsters.
2. Missed Opportunity for Development
A training session or exhibition match could have inspired thousands of young footballers.
3. Commercialisation of Football
High ticket prices—some reportedly reaching lakhs—have made the events inaccessible to common fans.
4. Legacy Comparison
Pele’s visit is remembered for football. Messi’s may be remembered for marketing.
🏟️ Fan Reactions: Mixed but Emotional
Supporters Say:
- Messi’s presence alone is historic
- Fans get to see their idol in person
- India rarely hosts global icons
Critics Say:
- Tour is overpriced
- No football match is disappointing
- Former players’ concerns are valid
The debate reflects India’s evolving football culture—caught between nostalgia and modern commercial realities.
🧩 Indian Football’s Larger Question: What Do These Tours Achieve?
Messi’s tour has reignited discussions about:
- The need for more international friendlies
- Grassroots development
- Investment in youth academies
- Bringing global stars for football, not just promotion
Former players argue that India must prioritise footballing value over celebrity appearances.
📝 Conclusion
Gautam Sarkar’s sharp criticism of Lionel Messi’s India tour—summed up in his remark, “Pele played with us…”—has struck a chord with many who believe that football tours should offer more than commercial events.
While Messi’s visit has thrilled millions, the absence of a football match or meaningful engagement with Indian players has left former footballers disappointed. The comparison with Pele’s iconic 1977 visit highlights the gap between past and present football culture in India.
As India continues to grow as a footballing nation, the debate raises an important question:
Should global icons visit India for football—or for business?
🛡️ Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available news reports, verified statements, and factual information. It is intended solely for informational and editorial purposes, offering insights into Gautam Sarkar’s criticism of Lionel Messi’s India tour and the broader debate on football development in India.
