Kolkata’s football allegiance shifts to Argentina amid World Cup fervour
As Brazil’s elimination from the 2026 tournament cements Argentina’s dominance in the city, local fans reflect on a century of colonial legacy and post-independence identity.
Thousands of supporters in Kolkata have gathered to watch Argentina’s 2026 World Cup campaign, with devotion increasingly centred on Lionel Messi. The city, traditionally defined by the intense local rivalry between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal clubs, has seen a significant shift in international allegiance from Brazil to Argentina in recent years. This transition coincides with Brazil’s elimination from the tournament by Spain on July 7, ending Neymar’s quest for a title and leaving Messi as the dominant figure in local football culture.
On Saturday, July 4, approximately 300 fans assembled at Amartya Sen Udyan park to witness Argentina’s match against Cape Verde. The gathering, which extended into extra time, featured large screens and blue-and-white flags, creating an atmosphere described by attendees as comparable to a political rally. The crowd’s energy peaked when Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez scored the winning goal in the 83rd minute against Egypt during a previous Round of 16 match, a moment celebrated wildly by those present.
Messi’s performance has been pivotal to this shift, particularly after he scored all six of Argentina’s goals during the group stage. At 39, he is playing alongside peers such as Croatia’s Luka Modric and Germany’s Manuel Neuer, both aged 40, while his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, now 41, has seen his popularity decline in the city. Ronaldo’s visible decline and perceived strategic limitations for Portugal have led many Kolkata fans to view his tenure on the world stage as undermining his legacy, contrasting sharply with the sustained admiration for Messi.
The city’s passion for football is rooted in its colonial history and post-independence identity, with the Durand Cup, the world’s third-oldest football tournament, set to begin in Kolkata on July 26. This event follows the World Cup final and underscores the city’s enduring engagement with the sport, which arrived in India in the 19th century. The 135th edition of the Durand Cup will be played entirely in eastern India, where support for the game remains strongest.
A previous visit by Messi in December of the previous year highlighted the intensity of local fandom, turning chaotic when fans breached barricades after he departed early. Despite such disruptions, the relationship between the city and its football icons remains deep, with many residents viewing Messi not just as a player but as a cultural touchstone. This devotion reflects a broader trend where global football stars influence local Indian fandom, bridging generational gaps and reinforcing the city’s status as a historic centre of football culture.
