One common goal: Kunal Pradhan on the beautiful frenzy of the World Cup
One Common Goal: Kunal Pradhan on the Beautiful Frenzy of the World Cup
The Magic of a Moment
One common goal - In the Qatari summer of 2022, the world watched as Lionel Messi, at 35, orchestrated a masterclass in football's artistry. His goal against Croatia's Jasko Gvardiol was not premeditated, yet it became a defining moment. Gvardiol, the tournament's standout defender, wore a mask that seemed more inspired by the Dark Knight than the Batman, but that didn’t matter. What mattered was Messi’s ability to weave through the defense with a fluidity that felt choreographed.
With a burst down the right flank, he waited for the perfect moment, then executed a move that combined elegance and precision. The 20-year-old Gvardiol, caught off guard, was left scrambling. Messi’s shoulder feint created space, allowing him to glide toward the touchline and deliver the ball to Julian Alvaraz for a clinical finish. Argentina’s path to the final was secured in that instant.
“At that moment, there is no team jersey, no national pride; just a man with a ball at his feet and a target in his eyes.”
A Global Unity
Reactions were immediate and unifying. Whether you were in New Zealand or Canada, in Bengal or Kerala, the same gasp of awe echoed. Even in the political bureau or on the sports desk, the sentiment was identical. The world paused to celebrate a goal that transcended borders.
It was a reminder of how sport can momentarily dissolve biases. For four years, the World Cup’s magic had been fading, overshadowed by the relentless intensity of club football. Yet, in that single act, Messi revived the spirit of the tournament—a reminder of its power to unite.
The Fading Spectator
The 2026 World Cup will follow a season where club football’s fervor has grown increasingly narrow. Echo-chamber narratives now dominate, overshadowing the universal joy of the game. While play remains top-tier, the lens through which it’s viewed has narrowed, with only a select few sharing in the excitement.
High-level performances are met with divided opinions. A brilliant goal might bring joy to one group, but others dismiss it as a fluke or blame referees for corruption. The thrill of football has been traded for provocative commentary, social media debates, and merchandise-driven fandom.
A Tale of Two Frenzies
Consider Arsenal’s Premier League triumph after 22 years. The city erupted in celebration, yet the same week, a parallel narrative of criticism took hold. Set-pieces, video reviews, and a solid defense were seen as weaknesses rather than strengths. This mirrors how Manchester City faced scrutiny for financial spending or Liverpool for relying on underperforming rivals.
Even when they lost the Champions League final to PSG—the continent’s elite team—the deluge of trolling in England eclipsed the fanfare of their victory. The 1986 World Cup, once a shared spectacle in India through Doordarshan, now feels like a distant memory, replaced by fragmented, biased views.