NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar has sparked debate over the Lionel Messi controversy in Kolkata, arguing that criticism of occasion organisers and VIP tradition misses the mark; Messi himself bears major duty for not upholding his obligations.In a column for Sportsstar, Gavaskar shifts scrutiny from the continued preparations to Messi’s efficiency throughout his “G.O.A.T. India Tour 2025” at Salt Lake Stadium.

He notes how the narrative swiftly painted India as at fault for Messi’s unexpectedly temporary stint. Gavaskar highlights the hole between fan anticipation and actuality. “Even the current episode on the Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata, the place the Argentinian footballer, Lionel Messi, made a far shorter look than promised, was blamed on everybody besides the one that didn’t honour his dedication,” he wrote.Whereas admitting the precise contract particulars between Messi’s camp and organisers stay non-public, Gavaskar urges restraint in condemning locals with out info. “What his settlement was isn’t public data, but when he was meant to be on the stadium for an hour, then by leaving effectively earlier than that point and disappointing followers who had paid good cash, the true wrongdoer was he and his entourage,” Gavaskar asserted.Gavaskar dismisses safety issues as a straightforward excuse for Messi’s fast departure, regardless of the swarm of politicians and VIPs round him. “Sure, he was surrounded by politicians and so-called VIPs, however there was no safety risk to him or his entourage,” he additional added.“Was he supposed to easily stroll across the stadium, or do one thing tangible like take a penalty kick? If it had been the latter, these round him would robotically have needed to transfer, and the group would have seen their hero do what that they had come to look at.”Evaluating it to Messi’s different seamless India occasions, Gavaskar attributes their success to full supply on guarantees. “So, earlier than blaming fellow Indians in Kolkata, it could be value checking whether or not commitments on either side had been honoured,” the previous batter concluded.