Arjun Bijlani Reveals How Son Ayaan Made Him a Messi Fan

Television star Arjun Bijlani may be known for winning hearts with his performances on screen, but off-screen, one of his most cherished roles is being a father. Recently, the actor opened up about how his son Ayaan transformed him from a cricket enthusiast into a passionate football fan. Today, football is no longer just a sport in the Bijlani household—it’s a cherished tradition that strengthens their father-son bond.

Meanwhile, fresh from wrapping up Laughter Chefs and gearing up for his upcoming Netflix project Chumbak, Arjun reflected on how football unexpectedly became an important part of his everyday life. Although he never actively followed the sport during his childhood, his son’s growing interest completely changed his perspective.

As a result, watching football together has become one of their favorite ways to spend quality time. From discussing thrilling matches to passionately cheering for their favorite teams, the beautiful game has brought the family even closer.

How Ayaan Sparked Arjun’s Love for Football

Growing up, Arjun Bijlani admits that cricket was always his first love. Like millions of Indians, he spent his school days following cricket much more closely than football.

However, everything changed after Ayaan developed a deep interest in football and started attending professional coaching sessions. Naturally, Arjun began watching matches alongside his son to encourage his passion.

What initially started as simple curiosity gradually evolved into genuine excitement. Before long, football became a regular part of their daily lives, with the father-son duo eagerly following international tournaments together.

More importantly, Arjun Bijlani believes these moments have become priceless. Beyond the excitement of the sport, football has created opportunities for meaningful conversations, shared laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Messi vs Ronaldo: The Friendly Rivalry at Home

Interestingly, like countless football-loving families around the world, the Bijlani household has its own entertaining rivalry.

While Arjun is a proud supporter of Lionel Messi, Ayaan is a die-hard Cristiano Ronaldo fan. Consequently, their contrasting loyalties often lead to playful debates whenever the two football icons are discussed.

Rather than causing disagreements, these differences make every match even more enjoyable. In fact, each major tournament turns into an exciting occasion filled with friendly banter, predictions, and plenty of laughter.

Moreover, Arjun says Ayaan follows football with incredible passion, making every game feel like a special event at home. Whether it’s club football or international tournaments, the youngster rarely misses an opportunity to support his favorite player.

For Arjun, watching his son’s enthusiasm is incredibly rewarding. At the same time, he believes sports teach valuable life lessons, including discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and determination.

Argentina Always Has Arjun’s Support

When it comes to international football, Arjun’s loyalty has never wavered.

As a devoted Messi admirer, supporting Argentina comes naturally. Every FIFA World Cup campaign brings renewed hope that the South American giants will once again produce unforgettable moments on the world stage.

Additionally, Arjun revealed that he closely follows the FIFA World Cup, especially once the knockout rounds begin. According to him, that’s when the competition becomes truly intense and every match feels unpredictable.

Although football powerhouses like Argentina, Brazil, Spain, and France remain among the strongest contenders, Arjun appreciates that surprises are always around the corner.

After all, unexpected victories, dramatic comebacks, and shocking eliminations are what make football so captivating for millions of fans worldwide. For Arjun, that unpredictability is one of the sport’s greatest strengths because no result can ever be guaranteed.

Match Days Come with Special Rituals

Like many passionate sports fans, Arjun has developed his own match-day traditions.

Although he doesn’t consider himself superstitious, he admits that he always wears his Messi jersey whenever Argentina plays an important match. Over time, this simple gesture has become an inseparable part of his football experience.

Furthermore, Arjun describes himself as an expressive viewer who celebrates every goal with excitement while reacting passionately to missed chances and dramatic moments.

In fact, like countless football lovers around the globe, he often finds himself shouting instructions at the television—even though he knows the players can’t possibly hear him. Nevertheless, those emotional reactions only make the viewing experience more enjoyable.

Late-Night Matches Are Worth the Sacrifice

Of course, following international football tournaments isn’t always easy for Indian fans, especially when many matches are played late at night.

Even so, Arjun Bijlani admits that balancing work commitments with football isn’t a problem when Argentina is on the field. Whenever there’s an important knockout fixture, sleep simply takes a back seat.

Fortunately, he has found his own solution. According to the actor, a strong cup of coffee the next morning usually helps him power through a busy shooting schedule after spending hours watching an unforgettable match.

For Arjun, the sacrifice is completely worth it. Whether it’s a dramatic penalty shootout, a last-minute winner, or another magical Messi moment, football has become much more than entertainment—it has become a special family tradition that continues to create lifelong memories with his son Ayaan.