Fans Go the Extra Mile to See Messi in India
When Lionel Messi visited India, fans from all over the country went to great lengths to catch a glimpse of their idol. For many, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and they were willing to make significant sacrifices to be part of the event.
Pradeep Kumar, a software engineer from Gulbarga, Karnataka, traveled for 10 hours by train to Mumbai. He had been a fan of Messi for 16 years, ever since the legendary player led Barcelona to a historic treble in 2009. “Seeing him live is a dream for someone like me,” Pradeep said, highlighting the personal significance of this event, as he had never been able to travel to Europe to watch Messi play.
Similarly, Shubham Petawala, a data analyst from Borivali, Mumbai, faced his own challenges. Despite moving on crutches due to a fracture, he was determined not to miss the opportunity. “Nothing would stop me,” he stated, reflecting the passion that many fans feel for their sports heroes. Shubham had been a fan since 2006 and cherished Messi’s 2022 World Cup victory as a personal highlight.
Mukesh Kumar Prasad, from Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, undertook a grueling 36-hour journey to witness Messi in action. His excitement was palpable as he spoke about following Messi since 2011. “Seeing him in India is a dream come true,” he said, emphasizing how much he valued the experience despite the long travel.
Harminder Singh from Sangrur, Punjab, had a shorter journey but faced the challenge of balancing his work schedule. After finishing his shift at 6 a.m., he rushed home to change before heading to Delhi. “It was worth it,” he declared, illustrating the dedication of fans who prioritize seeing their idols, even amidst their busy lives.
Even young fans like 15-year-old Atharva Bahekar, who waited four hours in the stadium with his father, were thrilled, stating, “Just to get a glance of Messi was worth it.” Their excitement mirrored that of fans from different backgrounds, all united by their love for the game and Messi.
In a world where sports can evoke deep emotions and create lasting memories, these fans’ stories remind us that the journey to see a legend is often just as rewarding as the moment itself.
