Kolkata is set to witness an emotional morning this weekend as football legend Lionel Messi arrives in the city, bringing joy to some of his most devoted Indian fans. Among them is Shib Shankar Patra, a 56-year-old tea-stall owner from Ichhapur, whose lifelong admiration for the Argentine superstar has now culminated in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet him personally.

For Patra, Messi is more than a football icon—he is a source of hope, inspiration, and resilience. Once a club-level footballer himself, Patra has dedicated decades of his life to following Messi’s career, building a miniature homage to the footballer that has become a local landmark in Ichhapur. Ahead of Argentina’s visit to India in 2011 for a friendly match against Venezuela at the Salt Lake Stadium, Patra painted his three-storied house in blue-and-white, turned his tea stall into an “Argentina fan club,” and installed a life-size statue of Messi at the entrance. His walls, doors, and wardrobes are all adorned in Argentina colours, making the house a veritable shrine to his idol.

The tea stall has become a hub for locals to gather and talk football, a meeting place where community members come not just for tea, but for lively discussions about Messi, matches, and football in general. A giant 120×20 ft flag and numerous posters line the street, often attracting visiting supporters who pose for photographs and soak in the unique football culture Patra has nurtured in his neighbourhood.

Personal Struggles and Triumph

Behind the fanfare, however, lies a story of personal struggle. In the past year, Patra underwent heart surgery, had a pacemaker implanted, and suffered multiple falls that severely affected his small business. Yet, despite these hardships, his passion for Messi remained undimmed. He had watched the superstar live during Argentina’s 2011 visit, an experience he says kept him awake for several nights, filled with joy and awe.

Originally, the Patra family had purchased two tickets worth ₹7,000 each for Messi’s upcoming visit—a steep sum for them—but the organisers, moved by Patra’s story, extended a special invitation for an exclusive meet-and-greet at Messi’s hotel. Patra’s wife, Sapna, expressed the family’s excitement: “He had heart surgery and was very ill. While making tea he had two-three falls and hit his head, but he managed to survive, and now he will finally see Messi. We are so excited. He’s having sleepless nights in anticipation.”

A Family Affair

Messi fandom in the Patra family extends beyond Shib Shankar. His daughter, Neha, themed her 2022 wedding around Argentina’s blue-and-white colours. The father-daughter duo also participates in social work, organising blood donation camps and distributing blankets to the needy, blending their passion for football with community service.

Engineer Superfan: Dum Dum Leo Cafe

Ichhapur won’t be the only Kolkata landmark touched by Messi’s visit. Soumindra Ghosh, a civil engineer and diehard Messi fan, is another Kolkata resident set to meet the footballer. Ghosh runs the Messi-themed Dum Dum Leo Cafe near Dum Dum Metro station, which he proudly describes as a “temple” dedicated to his idol. The café is a visual tribute to Messi’s career, with walls adorned with career highlights and life lessons from the footballer.

Ghosh’s devotion to Messi stems from his own personal struggles. After a disappointing Class 12 result in 2014, he completed his engineering degree but struggled to find a stable job, slipping into depression. It was a quote from Messi—“I’ve not become successful overnight; it is the result of hard work and passion”—that inspired Ghosh to persevere. “I was very depressed. Whenever I was sad, I watched Messi videos. On YouTube I saw that quote, and it made me decide I wouldn’t give up,” he recalled.

He turned that inspiration into action, opening the Messi-themed café as a space to celebrate both the footballer and the sport itself. The café not only screens live Messi matches but also plays commentary clips and features curated memorabilia, creating an immersive experience for visitors.

Messi and Parallel Journeys

Interestingly, Ghosh’s fortunes have mirrored Messi’s own trajectory. The café opened in 2021, the same year Messi won the Copa América, marking a turning point in his career. When Messi won the 2022 World Cup, Ghosh’s café had already become a popular destination, necessitating an expansion. “I don’t want to boast, but my journey with this café has shades of parallel with Messi’s career,” Ghosh said.

The café attracts fans not only from Kolkata but from across India and abroad. Visitors from Argentina, Brazil, Kerala, Mumbai, and Gujarat have come to soak in the football-centric atmosphere. Its proximity to the airport has made it a convenient stop for travelling supporters.

Messi-Themed Culinary Delights

Even the café menu pays homage to Messi. Items such as La Pulga (Spanish for “The Flea,” Messi’s nickname), Milanesa Napolitana (Messi’s favourite dish), Chicken 672 (his total Barcelona goal tally), Pink in Paris (celebrating his PSG tenure), Sunset Miami (his current Inter Miami chapter), and Blaugrana Blue (the iconic FC Barcelona colours) reflect Ghosh’s dedication to integrating Messi’s journey into every aspect of the establishment.

A City United by Football

Messi’s visit to Kolkata underscores the profound influence of football in India, particularly among devoted fans who have nurtured their passion for decades. From tea-stall owners to engineers, the city’s most ardent Messi supporters are set to experience an emotional milestone, bridging the gap between admiration and personal connection.

For Shib Shankar Patra and Soumindra Ghosh, meeting Messi is not merely a fan encounter—it is the culmination of years of dedication, resilience, and hope. It is a testament to the power of sports in inspiring individuals and communities, transforming daily lives, and creating moments that are cherished for a lifetime.

As Messi steps into Kolkata, the city’s streets, cafés, and homes adorned in blue-and-white will stand as living tributes to his enduring legacy, a celebration of dreams fulfilled and passion immortalised.

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