Lionel Messi’s India visit had drama, politics and disappointment - but the biggest question for fans was simple: why didn’t he actually play? Why did the greatest of all time come all the way to India and not even give a proper glimpse of his magic on the pitch?
Turns out, it was mostly a celebrity appearance thing across different cities. Lots of talks and events, but no real football. Fans hoping for a game felt ripped off. The big reason? Insurance. Seriously expensive insurance.
Messi's left foot is insured for a staggering amount of $900 million. The policy rules don't not allow Messi to take part in an exhibition game as a precautionary measure. These kinds of insurance protect the players from injuries that would end their career, but only in official games for a club (Inter Miami) or country (Argentina).
The risk level is very high due to the lack of regulation of medical and other standards in unofficial matches. On the other hand, Mumbai heat and Kolkata humidity might make the situation for the medical team even more difficult.
Unlike in the case of Michael Jordan's old Chicago Bulls contract with a "Love of the Game" clause, where Jordan could play pick-up basketball without problems, Messi's situation is the opposite. His contract is more for the protection of the player than for the fans.
The fans of India wanted to see Messi do what he did in the World Cup but instead, the reality of the situation was too harsh. The short walk of Messi in the stadium - he signed the jerseys people held out toward him and smiled - gave a little taste of the success but didn't have the netters flying with the jerseys.
The tour of the stadiums was only the interaction of the players with the legends, no 90-minute showdowns.
People who were calling it a "scam" shouted loudest while the star was unveiling signs of power without taking risks with the injury.
It is a reminder of the business aspect of the modern football saga, which is to say that even the godly like Messi have to follow rules.
Indian football is at the peak of its popularity, and people are waiting for next time when real matches are played. Are the insurers ever going to loosen up? At the moment, Messi's feet and fortune have to stay in the bench area.
