Abhinav Bindra reacts to mismanagement during Messi’s GOAT Tour in Kolkata: ‘What were we really trying to achieve?’

“…as his recent visit to India unfolded parts of it felt chaotic and left me quietly uneasy. It compelled me to pause and reflect not in judgment but in genuine concern about what we were really trying to achieve,” Bindra wrote on X.

“Millions were spent for moments of proximity photographs and fleeting access to a legend. And yes it is people’s money earned honestly and theirs to spend as they choose. Still I can’t help but feel a quiet sadness wondering what might have been possible if even a fraction of that energy and investment had been directed toward the foundations of sport in our country,” he added.

Bindra further highlighted his respect for the World Cup-winning Argentina captain. “Lionel Messi is one of those rare athletes whose story transcends sport. His journey from a child fighting physical odds to a footballer who redefined excellence has moved millions across the world…I hold profound respect and admiration for what he represents – perseverance, humility and an uncompromising pursuit of greatness,” he wrote.

“I fully understand the economics of sport. I understand commercial realities global branding and the magnetism of icons. I do not fault Messi in any way. He has earned every opportunity that comes his way and admiration for greatness is natural even beautiful,” he added.

“As a society are we building a culture of sport or are we simply celebrating individuals from afar?” he questioned.

“Great sporting nations are not built by moments, they are built by systems. By patience. By belief in the ordinary child with an extraordinary dream. Icons like Messi inspire us and that inspiration matters deeply. But inspiration must be met with intent. With long-term commitment. With choices that reflect not just what excites us today but what will strengthen us tomorrow,” he said.

See the post here:

Lionel Messi is one of those rare athletes whose story transcends sport. His journey from a child fighting physical odds to a footballer who redefined excellence has moved millions across the world. As someone who has lived the life of an athlete, I hold profound respect and…

— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) December 15, 2025

The post went viral, with several users chiming in on the ongoing criticism over the poor management of such grand events and concerts in India. “You know what’s worse? New announcements of only cricket stadiums being built .. no one ever seems to want to build a multi sport venue,” a user wrote.

“Well said Sir. I wonder who is driving this initiative, who paid him to come and visit all the cities? Is it Central Govt? Or is it all the individual state Govt separately? Who is spending money in this?” another user commented.

“The issue isn’t Messi , It’s us and what we choose to prioritise,” a third user reacted.