15/12/2025
The ₹150 Crore Debate: Stardom vs Grassroots Development
Reacting to reports that nearly ₹150 crore was spent to bring Lionel Messi to India for a brief promotional tour, the director of a Punjab-based football club sparked a strong nationwide discussion on funding priorities in Indian football. His statement quickly ignited debate over whether such massive spending truly benefits the sport at home.
The director asserted that if the same ₹150 crore were invested in local infrastructure and young Indian talent, it could help nurture ten world-class Indian players and significantly strengthen the national team — even expressing confidence that such an approach could one day lead India toward a World Cup dream. His message was clear and uncompromising: long-term investment in grassroots football delivers far greater value than short-term celebrity appearances.
