New Delhi: West Bengal chief minister Mamta Banerjee expressed her admiration for the Argentine maestro Lionel Messi after receiving a signed jersey from him on Wednesday. She described Messi as an “artist with the ball” and said the jersey symbolises the unbreakable connection between Bengal and its deep-rooted passion for football.
On Wednesday night Banerjee took to X (formally Twitter) and 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.”
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 love for football binds us all, and… pic.twitter.com/ykWGarhAfG
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 19, 2025
She further added that the love for football binds people across Bengal and Messi. She defined Messi as a maestro of the sport representing the brilliance that is admired by the Bengalis. She wrote, “This jersey is a symbol of the unbreakable connection between Bengal and the beautiful game.”
Messi’s gesture underscores the immense popularity of football in West Bengal, a state which is well known for its fervent support of the sport. Football is more than just a game in Bengal rather it’s a cultural phenomenon that unites communities and ignites passionate rivalries. The receipt of the signed jersey is seen as a significant moment that reinforced the state’s status as a football-loving hub.
Messi’s signed jersey, therefore, becomes a symbol of international goodwill and mutual respect, further strengthening the cultural ties between Argentina and India. It also serves as a morale booster for young aspiring footballers in the state, inspiring them to pursue their dreams with renewed vigour.
All India Trinamool Congress founder Mamata Banerjee praises Argentina’s Lionel Messi after receiving his signed jersey, calling him a football maestro. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
