'Messi Hai Toh Mumkin Hai': Football Fans Link Political Developments Of West Bengal With Football GOAT

As the political canvas of West Bengal continues to change, football fans of the state have been drawing a peculiar conjecture between Argentinian footballing legend, Lionel Messi, and the changing scenario, with the political clout shifting from the incumbent Trinamool Congress (TMC) to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

As counting for the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 gets underway, social media is getting flooded with reactions. Part of this charged-up narrative within the state is the GOAT India Tour, during which Messi visited the Salt Lake Stadium. Huge queues of fans had lined up outside the Yuvabharati Krirangan Stadium in Salt Lake to catch a glimpse of the GOAT. However, the event was mismanaged by the officials within the government, with many terming the events that unfolded as a 'hijack'.

The event was eventually cut short, with reports coming from his team that the tour in Salt Lake was cut short, fearing for the safety of the World Champion. Fans were angry and vandalised the stadium, with organiser Satadru Datta also arrested. CM Mamata Banerjee herself had to cancel her visit to the stadium due to chaos.

What Is The LIONEL MESSI Link To Political Change Within The State?

Messi's visit has been seen in the socio-political context as an anecdotal marker for political change within the state. The last time Lionel Messi visited the state was in 2011, more than 2 decades ago. At that time, a fresh, young, energetic leader had emerged in the form of Mamata Banerjee, stamping her authority over the 34-year-old rule of the Left Front Government.

Now, 20 years later, Messi's GOAT Tour seems to have signalled the bugle of yet another change. This time, however, that dynamic TMC leader is on the receiving end of the table and is looking at a complete wipeout of her party from the state.

Netizens React On Social Media

This unique conjecture, along with the political exasperation of the people within the state, has led to a flurry of reactions on social media: