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Gavaskar: Messi's Kolkata Flop Was His Fault
19 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Gavaskar argues Messi is responsible for short Kolkata appearance.
- He suggests critics should verify commitments before blaming Indians.
- Security concerns are dismissed as a weak excuse for quick departure.
Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar has entered the debate surrounding Lionel Messi's truncated appearance in Kolkata during his "G.O.A.T. India Tour 2025." Gavaskar contends that the narrative unfairly placed blame on event organizers, asserting that Messi himself failed to uphold his commitments. He emphasized that without public knowledge of the exact contract, it's premature to condemn local arrangements.
Gavaskar suggested that if Messi was contracted for a specific duration, his departure before that time made him and his team the primary party at fault. He downplayed security concerns, noting that the presence of politicians and VIPs did not constitute a threat. Gavaskar questioned what Messi was expected to do, implying that tangible actions would have naturally created space.
Drawing parallels to other successful events in India, Gavaskar attributed their smooth execution to the fulfillment of promises. He concluded by advising that before criticizing Indian hosts, it's essential to determine if all parties honored their agreed-upon obligations during the tour.
