India, Dec. 19 -- When iconic footballer Lionel Messi wrapped up his four-city India tour earlier this week, the images were unmistakable - packed stadiums, fans draped in Argentina and Barcelona jerseys, and ticket prices stretching into lakhs, snapped up without hesitation. For Indian footballer and towering defender, Sandesh Jhingan, the spectacle sparked mixed emotions. Joy, yes - buts also a quiet discomfort that stayed with him long after the floodlights dimmed.

In a long Instagram post that cut through the noise, the India and FC Goa defender, this Wednesday, acknowledged the scale of the moment. "It genuinely made me happy to see that our country does love football," he wrote, pointing to full houses and the willingness of fans t...