Abhinav Bindra reflects on Lionel Messi’s India visit, urges focus on grassroots sport

The Olympic gold medallist said aspects of Lionel Messi’s visit felt “chaotic”.

Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra has expressed concern over the manner in which Lionel Messi’s recent visit to India was conducted, using the occasion to call for deeper reflection on the country’s sporting priorities.

In a post shared on X (formerly twitter), Bindra acknowledged Messi’s stature as a global sporting icon and praised his journey, stating that the Argentine footballer “is one of those rare athletes whose story transcends sport.”

He highlighted Messi’s rise from “a child fighting physical odds” to an athlete who “redefined excellence,” adding that his journey has “moved millions across the world.”

Drawing from his own experience as an elite athlete, Bindra said he holds “profound respect and admiration” for what Messi represents, including “perseverance humility and an uncompromising pursuit of greatness.”

However, Bindra admitted that aspects of Messi’s visit left him unsettled. “As his recent visit to India unfolded parts of it felt chaotic and left me quietly uneasy,” he wrote, explaining that the experience compelled him to pause and reflect “not in judgment but in genuine concern about what we were really trying to achieve.”

Bindra clarified that his remarks were not a criticism of Messi, acknowledging the commercial realities of modern sport. “I fully understand the economics of sport,” he said, referring to global branding and the appeal of sporting icons. He added, “I do not fault Messi in any way. He has earned every opportunity that comes his way.”

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The former Olympic champion questioned whether such high-profile events contribute meaningfully to long-term sporting development in India. “As a society are we building a culture of sport or are we simply celebrating individuals from afar,” Bindra asked.

He noted that significant resources were spent on brief access to the football legend, stating that “millions were spent for moments of proximity photographs and fleeting access to a legend.”

While acknowledging that individuals are free to spend their money as they choose, Bindra expressed concern about missed opportunities for investment in grassroots sport.

Bindra emphasised the importance of foundational structures, calling for “playgrounds where children can run freely,” trained coaches and grassroots programmes that provide opportunities to young athletes. “Great sporting nations are not built by moments they are built by systems,” he wrote, stressing the need for patience and long-term commitment.

Also Read: ‘We will definitely return’: Lionel Messi reflects on whirlwind GOAT India Tour visit

Concluding his message, Bindra said that inspiration from icons like Messi must be supported by intent and sustainable choices. “If we truly wish to honour legends like Messi the most meaningful way to do so is not through grand gestures but by ensuring that somewhere in India a young child has a field to play on a coach to believe in them and a chance to dream.”

Bindra’s comments have sparked renewed discussion on the balance between high-profile sporting spectacles and investment in grassroots development in India.

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