Want to read something shocking? Lionel Messi is now closer to being 40 than he is to 30! For some of us, who remember seeing him play for Barcelona while he was still a teenager, this fact feels a bit surreal. But that is reality. Messi turns 35 today.And when it comes to surreal stuff, we have to talk about the relentless ‘Messimania’ in the Indian city of Kolkata, a place Messi only visited once in his life. On the day when everyone is quick to proclaim their admiration for the Argentine when children gather on squares of cities in Messi’s homeland to sing Happy Birthday, it’s Kolkata that takes the cake, excuse the pun.Leo Messi Birthday celebrations in Kolkata, India. Social Media followers won’t tell you how much India loves Messi pic.twitter.com/Yyd6VZpUvA— 𝐍 𝐈 𝐓 𝐈 𝐍 (@LMxVK_) June 25, 2022 The capital of the state of West Bengal in India is home to around five million people and is probably the most unlikely of places where uncontrollable love for the little Argentine blossomed. Thousands of people poured onto the streets to sing songs, eat cake, fly Argentinean flags and chant their idol’s name. The feeling in the streets was as if there was an Argentina match in their city today. And there is the clue as to why natives of an Indian metropolis have so much love for the man.📝 FUN FACT: Lionel Messi made his debut as the captain of Argentina with a 1-0 win over Venezuela [Goal: Nicolás Otamendi, Assist: Lionel Messi] on 2nd September, 2011 before thousands of delirious fans in a 120,000 capacity Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, India. 🇮🇳🐐🌟 pic.twitter.com/hix7yS6Mnd— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) December 19, 2020 It all happened over a decade ago. A wise businessman called Bhaswar Goswami says the great Diego Maradona received a hero’s welcome in his city in 2008, giving him an idea. The incredible reception prompted Goswami to put all his business acumen, knowledge and energy into bringing another Argentine to Kolkata, the global superstar Messi. And he made it.🚨There is a huge shortage of cakes in India since it is Leo Messi’s birthday tomorrow (@TheMumbaiTimes) pic.twitter.com/YnKTawuNjK— Ok paI ™ 🇬🇳 (@okpalV47) June 23, 2022 Over 75,000 spectators crammed into Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan stadium in September of 2011 to watch a friendly between Argentina and Venezuela. Many fine footballers were on the pitch that day, but everyone came to see the great Messi in the flesh. Every move, every run, every touch of the ball was greeted with jubilation. Lionel Messi, a guy born in Argentina and played in Spain, was the favourite person of millions of people in a city across the globe from Leo’s native Rosario.Saturday, 23.55: (2.05) Estudiantes (3.30) Newell’S (3.88)It was hot and humid that day, but nobody had a problem with that. All those people got to see their hero deliver a pinpoint cross for Nicolas Otamendi to score the game’s only goal. A few years later, Messi recalled that he was “overwhelmed with the warmth and the passion… My experience over there has left a lasting impression on me.”And even though the match ended and Messi left India, the locals’ obsession never ceased. Those people would get up in the middle of the night to watch Barcelona, Argentina and now Paris Saint-Germain on television just to catch a glimpse of the GOAT.A tea seller in Kolkata, India, has painted his home in the blue and white colours of Argentina, for his love of Lionel Messi. [ndtv] pic.twitter.com/WjN76ASNsp— barcacentre (@barcacentre) June 12, 2018 It’s 2022. Lionel Messi is 35. You may argue that he’s past it, that he’s no longer capable of producing the kind of magic that made people in India adore him, but you’d be only partially correct. His move to PSG meant that he’s had to change how he plays. Although still the biggest name on the team, he’s now playing in a way that would enable others to show their talent. Kylian Mbappe has Messi to thank for his excellent season.Stats website WhoScored ranks Messi as the third most effective player in Europe’s top five leagues, behind only Mbappe and Robert Lewandowski. When it comes to through balls, the most definitive indicator of playmaking, Messi’s 0.7 through balls per match is unmatched across the top 10 highest-rated players. He’s now his team’s main provider rather than goalscorer – and it’s a role that suits him.Born in Rosario, Argentina The Argentinan boy who had no money at first to pay his medical treatment went on to become the greatest player in the history of football.35 years old today.HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LIONEL MESSI.pic.twitter.com/lNLuZPsS4x— LSPN FC (@LSPNFC_) June 24, 2022 The fact that he left Barcelona for an “oil rich” club in Paris probably killed some of the magic for some of us, but that’s a philosophical conversation that’s highly inappropriate at a birthday party, isn’t it?On the pitch, Messi still has a lot to do. This year’s World Cup in Qatar is his last chance to win the biggest prize for his country. So he probably should go easy on the cake today. After all, it’s not easy to carry your nation’s hopes on dreams on your shoulders at such an age.Happy birthday, Leo!
