Mamata Banerjee Gets A Special Gift From Lionel Messi
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has received a special gift from football legend Lionel Messi—a jersey signed by the Argentine superstar. Sharing her excitement on social media, Banerjee wrote, “Football is a passion that runs through my veins, much like every person in Bengal who has ever kicked a ball on the ‘para’ fields. Today, that passion found a special place as I received a jersey signed by none other than Lionel Messi.”
The gesture from Messi, who is currently playing for MLS side Inter Miami, comes as a significant moment for Bengal, a state deeply devoted to football. Unlike most of India, where cricket dominates, West Bengal has always had an undying love for the sport, with its historic clubs—Mohun Bagan and East Bengal—fueling an intense football culture.
Messi’s name holds a special place in Bengal’s footballing history. In 2011, the Argentine icon, who was playing for FC Barcelona then, visited Kolkata with his national team for a friendly against Venezuela at the Salt Lake Stadium. The city erupted in celebration, with tens of thousands gathering just to catch a glimpse of him. That match, held on 2 September 2011, remains a cherished moment for Kolkata’s football enthusiasts. The stadium, packed with 85,000 spectators, roared every time Messi touched the ball. Though he didn’t score, his presence alone electrified the atmosphere. Argentina won 1-0, but the real victory for Bengal was witnessing their footballing idol live.
Messi’s visit reinforced Kolkata’s admiration for international football. The city has long celebrated legends like Diego Maradona, Pele, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Maradona’s visit in 2008 saw a similar frenzy, but Messi’s arrival was particularly special as he was at the peak of his career, a multiple-time Ballon d’Or winner. His presence put Kolkata’s football culture on the global map, reaffirming that the city breathes the sport with unparalleled intensity.
More than a decade later, Messi’s name still resonates in Bengal. His posters adorn football cafés, and his legacy continues through the passion of young players on Kolkata’s streets. Mamata Banerjee’s jersey from Messi symbolises this deep-rooted connection, a reminder of Bengal’s unwavering love for the beautiful game. As she expressed in her post, “The love for football binds us all, and Messi, an artist with the ball, a maestro of our times, embodies the spirit of brilliance that Bengal admires. This jersey is a symbol of the unbreakable connection between Bengal and the beautiful game.”
