Hyderabad, Dec. 16 -- Never before has any international football star received the level of adulation throughout India as Lionel Messi did during his short trip to different cities inIndia. In 1977,Pelecameto Kolkata with the CosmosClub of New York to play against Mohun BaganSG. Diego Maradona came to India twice - the first timeto inaugurate a football school in West Bengal,and the second time to conduct football clinics with children.

They,too,were given a hearty welcome in India.However,there was a purpose for which they came. Pele and Maradona did their task and departed. This time, in the case of Messi, it seemed to have been all show and no substance.

No concrete work done

Wewereleft wondering what the purpose of Messi's visitwa...