No willingness to invest in Indian football but crores spent on Messi tour: Sandesh Jhingan

New Delhi: India’s men’s football captain Sandesh Jhingan has questioned the priorities of those funding the sport, saying the frenzied three-day ‘GOAT Tour’ featuring Lionel Messi has left him wondering whether anyone remains serious about developing domestic football.

Writing in a forthright Instagram note, Jhingan said that while lakhs turned up across Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi to watch Messi, Rodrigo de Paul and Luis Suárez, Indian football itself has stalled – and major competitions have yet to begin. 

“It feels as though we are close to shutting everything down because there is no willingness to invest in football within India, yet crores were spent on this tour,” he wrote, calling the recent spectacle a reflection of the country’s sporting priorities.

Football ecosystem in jeopardy

Jhingan said the overwhelming turnout demonstrated public appetite, but also underscored a gulf between admiration for foreign icons and support for Indian athletes.

“What troubles me, however, and leaves me deeply reflective, is that at a time when our own football ecosystem is in jeopardy, arguably facing one of its most difficult phases, we stand on the brink of having no active domestic football ahead of us,” he said.

The 30-year-old defender suggested the disparity pointed to a lack of structural backing. “What this tells me is that we do love the sport, but perhaps not enough to support our own players,” he wrote.

Crowded stadiums, chaotic scenes

Messi’s appearances drew sell-out audiences and premium ticket prices, but many fans came away disappointed. In Kolkata, the Salt Lake Stadium erupted into disorder after spectators complained they could barely see Messi, who remained surrounded by officials and political figures – including a state minister – during his limited time on the pitch.

Frustration boiled over, and authorities later arrested organiser Satadru Dutta.

The surge of interest, Jhingan wrote, created a short-term illusion: “Now that the euphoria of the past few days of the entire country suddenly embracing football has settled somewhat, I felt compelled to share my thoughts.”

Domestic season stalls

Indian football’s primary leagues are currently in limbo, with no broadcast partner onboard and both the Indian Super League and the I-League yet to start.

Jhingan acknowledged criticism of the national team’s performances but insisted results must be viewed alongside infrastructure failures. “I am aware of the criticism that comes our way, and I accept responsibility for performances,” he said. “But football does not exist in isolation. Anyone who truly understands the game knows how profoundly structure, stability, and belief influence what ultimately happens on the pitch.”

Despite expressing frustration, the India captain said he has not lost hope. “We have had good days before. And we can have them again,” he wrote, while noting that recent developments have forced him to re-examine fundamental assumptions: “Honestly, I find myself questioning many things now.”

(With inputs from PTI)