It was a dazzling spectacle to witness Messi bask in India’s adulation. Over just three days, it seemed as if the entire nation—the VVIPs, the masses—had revealed themselves as passionate devotees of football, and perhaps, at last, our country’s football would bask in the long-awaited glow it has yearned for decades. But emotions are tax-free, dreams even more so—for once Messi departed, after being paid 89 crores to grace us with his presence, the reality of Indian Football settled back into its familiar state: neglected and dilapidated.

So, the question remains: Were the people who showed up for Messi football lovers? Or Messi lovers? That massive, unchecked craze that we saw—taking selfies, posting all the glamour moments on social media with Messi—all of that—what role do these moments play in making Indian Football great? I am still opposed to the vicious trolling; however, the right questions should be asked of the same trolled VVIPs, including the politicians.

Just slow claps!

The National Football League, or I-League, for the 2025-26 season is currently on hold due to financial crises. Financial Crises? A country that spends 89 crores to bring Messi is in a financial crisis and puts a hold on Indian Football?

This collapse, however, can be traced directly to the expiration of the 15-year Master Rights Agreement between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) on December 8, 2025, as reported by India Sports Hub. Forged in 2010, this pact stood as the cornerstone of professional football in India, guaranteeing ₹50 crore annually in the years that followed. What’s truly astonishing in the reports is that this expiration was no unforeseen calamity; instead, the AIFF consciously permitted the contract to lapse in the very heart of the season.

And now, with the suspension of ISL, around 300 professional footballers are unemployed, with zero financial certainty. As per the same report by India Sports Hub, “Clubs were forced to continue paying salaries without revenue inflows, bleeding an estimated ₹25–30 crore each per year simply to stay afloat.”

Abhishek Bajpai, a digital creator who speaks about sports in his videos, says in a recent post, “Indian football right now is at a crossroads. Still no tendors for ISL, and top clubs still have operations suspended. There is talent, there is passion, and there are real stories but very little mainstream attention.” He further adds, the importance of shows like Real Kashmir Football Club (currently streaming on Sony LIV). Indeed, series like Real Kashmir FC cast a stark light on the struggles facing both the nation and its footballing dreams, illuminating the very areas demanding our urgent attention and collective effort.

Yet nerves still fume—fume at the humbug—humbug of the VVIPs and ours too.