As if the relentless heat wasn’t enough, Kolkata is turning up the temperature with its greatest obsession – football. As the World Cup begins today, the city is awash in team colours with pub screenings and football-themed treats. CT spent an evening at the Calcutta Cricket and Football Club with the city’s die-hard football fans to know how they’re watching, cheering and planning to enjoy the World Cup. Messi, Ronaldo, or Neymar... who are you rooting for?
Football: An Emotion in Kolkata
“The FIFA World Cup is more than just a tournament for football lovers in Kolkata—it’s an emotion,” says Nathan Alexander, football captain of CCFC. “Every four years, the city’s deep-rooted football culture comes alive, with fans across ages coming together to celebrate the sport.” That passion extends to young players too. Eben Inder Vaswani is rooting for Argentina because of Messi, while Rehan Bulsara, Kamille Carvalho, Markus Vinicius, Rishad Jeejeebhoy and Srinija Chatterjee are backing Brazil, with Markus hoping “Endrick starts.” Kabir Nayar and Suhana Choudhury support Spain, Kabir naming Pedri as his favourite, while Shreeyan Roy backs France and Arman Nayar supports Portugal for Cristiano Ronaldo. For Aakshi Bose, it’s all about Messi. Their loyalties may differ, but their passion remains united.
Pub Screens to Para Celebrations
Pubs, para clubs, residential complexes and even bakeries are embracing the World Cup spirit in their own ways. “We are hosting seven FIFA World Cup screening experiences across some of the city’s pubs to turn these into a true football festival,” said Aniket Das of Sarfira Experiences. One8 Commune added, “We had a DJ night planned and followed it with the first screening.” Debayan Datta of The Irish House highlighted themed décor and special offers, while Aditya Agarwal of Cove Community Bar aims to make “every match feel like a celebration.” The buzz extends to neighbourhoods, with Chiranjiv Dasgupta calling the World Cup “an emotion,” Swastika Banerjee recalling Argentina-themed rallies, and Shinjini Chakraborty planning screenings and festivities. Even bakeries are joining the frenzy, with Satyendra Mishra, MD, Cakes, saying, “We have Brazil and Argentina jersey-themed cakes, pastries and cupcakes. Ronaldo and Messi-themed cakes are also being made.”
Beyond the Event Fiasco, Messi Fever Grows
The Messi event fiasco may have left fans heartbroken, but with the World Cup nearing, Kolkata’s faithful are moving on, channelling that emotion into backing Argentina again. “A missed event is a brief disappointment, but 16 years of supporting Messi teaches you perspective,” says Alivia Banerjee, whose full-leg tattoo stands as a tribute to Messi. Echoing the sentiment, Aeon Chowdhury calls it “a management failure,” adding, “One incident cannot diminish years of admiration—the disappointment stays, but so does the excitement.” I thought 2022 was Messi’s last, but I’m happy we get to watch him play one more World Cup– Aakshi Bose. The World Cup is an opportunity for my brother & I to stay up late, even on school nights, to watch the match. We are Brazil fans– Rishad Jeejeebhoy. Pics: Anindya Saha. Location: CCFC.
