SATADRU DUTTA, the key architect behind Lionel Messi’s upcoming visit to India in December, has shared his vision of inspiring the next generation of footballers while strengthening India’s football infrastructure.
Dutta, who previously brought global icons such as Brazil’s Ronaldinho Gaucho and Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez, the Golden Glove winner at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, believes Messi’s arrival will serve as a crucial spark for Indian football. Dutta told ANI, “Indian football will not change with Messi’s coming, but there can be small steps.”
“When Messi comes, there will be discussions about football for two months. Messi will inspire parents, and then they will send their children to play football. You need inspiration in any country. In cricket, there were Sachin (Tendulkar), Sourav (Ganguly), (Rahul) Dravid and later Rohit (Sharma) and Virat (Kohli). That’s why Indian cricket grew. After Sunil Chhetri and Bhaichung Bhutia, there hasn’t been another inspiration (in football). Messi’s arrival will have a positive effect on the football ecosystem,” he added.
Alongside Messi’s visit, Dutta will launch Edu Soccer, a long-term grassroots football initiative designed to nurture young talent.
“The event I am doing in Maharashtra will also launch Project Mahadeva. Football wasn’t popular in Maharashtra, but because of Messi’s arrival, there’s involvement and excitement. Now, football is being discussed across states, there is a desire to do something in football, that’s a big thing,” Dutta said, adding that “It is very challenging to convince a player like Lionel Messi for something.”
Admitting that it was a major challenge to convince a player of Messi’s stature, Dutta cited his “busy schedule” and “distance” as the biggest hurdles. During his visit, Messi will conduct a series of football clinics in Kolkata, Mumbai, and Delhi, where he will interact with young players.
Dutta clarified that the event is being organised independently, without any involvement from the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
Reflecting on his track record of bringing global football stars to India, he said, “I have a strong record of bringing players. I just do it, I convince them. I tell them it’s a fan engagement opportunity because they have such a big fan base here. After doing this for so many years, yes, I do have convincing power.”
Next up for Dutta: Cristiano Ronaldo
Looking ahead, Dutta revealed his next and perhaps final mission is to bring Cristiano Ronaldo to India. “I am a big fan of him. I am a big admirer of Messi, but I am a fan of Ronaldo. I want to finish with Ronaldo definitely,” he noted.
Preparations, Dutta confirmed, are already underway to make this dream a reality. If successful, he would become the first person to bring both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, two of the greatest footballers of this generation to India.
