THE past week was supremely exciting for India.
Naturally so — when the GOAT arrives, everything else comes to a standstill. Streets, stadiums and even social media seemed to pause for Lionel Messi. Fans stopped their routines, hoping for even a fleeting glimpse of the football legend. But meeting him? That was a different story. Many venues charged tickets no less than ₹10,000 just to catch a glimpse of Messi from the middle of the stadium. Yet, even those who paid ended up disappointed. You see, Messi is not just a footballer — he is a global brand, a living symbol of excellence. And where there is such prestige, the elite follow closely. Politicians, celebrities and other high-profile figures swarmed him, ensuring their selfies and autographs, while ordinary fans were left on the edges, struggling to get a view.
It was honestly sickening to watch. Families and supporters like a close friend of mine, who invested their hard-earned money were left heartbroken, while Messi moved from one VIP to another. Some politicians even turned the occasion into a mini Bollywood gala, presenting gifts to invited celebs, giving speeches and making it all about themselves and their entourages. The very essence of what the trip should have been — connecting Messi with the public, inspiring young footballers and celebrating sport — was lost. Instead, it became a showcase of status and privilege, an elite bubble that a few could penetrate.
What’s worse, this isn’t a new phenomenon. We often see it in Pakistan too — ordinary fans, the ones who bring in the recognition and energy, get sidelined while politicians and celebrities take the spotlight- the elite praises the elite. Here, the irony was glaring: Messi came to inspire, to celebrate and yet the people who should have felt closest to him ended up feeling invisible. Fans tried to make the best of it. Some got glimpses, some managed hurried selfies, but for many, the memories were bittersweet. Social media overflowed with complaints about poor management, long waits and being pushed to the sidelines.
What should have been a once-in-a-lifetime experience felt inaccessible and distant. Later stops in cities like Mumbai and New Delhi tried to improve the situation with slightly better crowd control, but the pattern remained. Celebrities and VIPs continued to dominate the scene, leaving little room for fans to interact with their idol. Even at events marketed as fan experiences, the focus was shifted to prestige and publicity, rather than connecting with the people who truly make such tours meaningful. At the end of the week, Messi’s visit will be remembered — but not always fondly.
The excitement, the awe and the joy were there, but so was frustration, heartbreak and the stark visibility of privilege. The tour reminded us that no matter how big the legend, the way we manage access, crowds and priorities matters just as much. Fans should be at the heart of such celebrations, not left scrambling while the elite parade around them.Messi’s India tour was a moment that could have inspired a nation, encouraged young talent and brought fans together. Instead, it became a reminder of a familiar truth: in a world obsessed with VIP culture, ordinary people often end up invisible. And it is they, the ones who care, who invest, who cheer with all their hearts, who deserve to be at the centre of the story.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Islamabad.
