'Global icon, Zero language insecurity': Rahul Vaidya praises Messi for staying true to roots

Bollywood singer Rahul Vaidya has urged Indians to take inspiration from football star Lionel Messi, praising the athlete for staying rooted in his own language and culture during his recent visit to India. On social media, Rahul wrote, “One thing we Indians must learn from Messi: Own your language. Own your culture. English is a skill — not a master. Learn it well, but don’t be enslaved by it. Looking down on your own language is the real insecurity. Global icon. Zero language insecurity.”

Messi, despite being a global figure, largely avoided speaking in English or any other language while in India, preferring his mother tongue, Spanish. He communicated through his official translator during interactions with fans, celebrities, and officials.

The footballer’s India tour included stops in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. On Wednesday, Messi shared a video from the tour on social media, offering fans a glimpse of his experiences and a farewell message. The clip showed Messi meeting children at various stadiums and interacting with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.

From his Bollywood encounters, Messi included only his meeting with actress Kareena Kapoor Khan and her sons. He captioned the post, “Namaste, India! What incredible visits to Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Kolkata. Thanks for the warm welcome, great hospitality, and all the expressions of love throughout my tour. I hope football has a bright future in India (sic).”

Kareena Kapoor, excited to feature in Messi’s farewell video, shared it on her social media account, adding a note for her elder son, Taimur. She wrote, “Ok Tim, then this happened (heart emoji) for you (heart emoji) (sic).”

Messi’s visit also included meetings with several Bollywood personalities, including Ajay Devgn, Tiger Shroff, Shilpa Shetty, and Geeta Basra. His choice to use Spanish throughout, even while interacting with international and Indian figures, drew attention to the importance of maintaining one’s linguistic and cultural identity, a point highlighted by Rahul Vaidya.

Fans across the country responded positively to Messi’s approach, praising him for remaining authentic despite global fame. His visit sparked conversations on embracing one’s own language while learning others as tools rather than necessities.

Messi’s India tour reinforced the message that success on a global stage does not require abandoning one’s roots.