Kolkata, India – Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has ignited a fresh wave of controversy surrounding Lionel Messi's recent "GOAT India Tour 2025," specifically targeting the Argentine superstar for the chaotic scenes witnessed in Kolkata. Gavaskar, known for his outspoken nature, didn't mince words, labeling Messi as the "real culprit" behind the Salt Lake Stadium fiasco that left thousands of fans disappointed and enraged.
The Kolkata leg of Messi's tour, held on December 13, 2025, was marred by overcrowding, security breaches, and a premature exit by the football icon. Over 85,000 fans flocked to the stadium, many paying hefty sums for tickets, only to see Messi whisked away within 20 minutes amidst a swarm of politicians and VIPs who encroached upon the pitch. The situation quickly deteriorated, with frustrated supporters vandalizing the stadium and clashing with security forces.
While initial blame was directed towards event organizers and security personnel, Gavaskar has shifted the focus squarely onto Messi and his management team. In his column for Sportstar, Gavaskar questioned Messi's commitment to fulfilling his agreed-upon obligations. "What his agreement was is not public knowledge, but if he was meant to be at the stadium for an hour, then by leaving well before that time and disappointing fans who had paid good money, the real culprit was he and his entourage," Gavaskar wrote.
Gavaskar argued that Messi's early departure was unwarranted, asserting that there was no genuine security threat to the player or his entourage. "Yes, he was surrounded by politicians and so-called VIPs, but there was no security threat to him or his entourage," Gavaskar stated, suggesting that Messi could have honored his commitment by simply walking around the stadium or participating in a brief activity like taking a penalty kick. He implied that a simple gesture could have appeased the disgruntled fans.
The former Indian captain also pointed to the successful execution of Messi's subsequent appearances in Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi as evidence that the Kolkata incident was avoidable. He urged authorities to investigate all angles before solely blaming the Kolkata organizers, implying that Messi's camp may not have honored their commitments.
Gavaskar's comments have sparked widespread debate among fans and pundits alike. Some have echoed his sentiments, arguing that Messi, as a global icon, has a responsibility to his fans, regardless of organizational shortcomings. Others have defended Messi, citing the chaotic circumstances and potential security concerns that may have prompted his early exit. Some reports indicate that Messi felt "visibly uncomfortable" due to the overcrowding. A spokesperson for Messi stated that he fulfilled the agreed-upon time commitment and deferred questions regarding the event's organization to the organizers and the apology issued by West Bengal's Chief Minister.
Satadru Dutta, the event organizer in Kolkata, was arrested and remanded in police custody for 14 days following the incident. West Bengal's Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, also announced an enquiry into the events, stating her apologies to Messi and fans.
The "GOAT India Tour 2025" concluded in New Delhi, with Messi interacting with young players and expressing his gratitude to Indian fans. However, the shadow of the Kolkata debacle and Gavaskar's stinging criticism continue to linger, raising questions about celebrity responsibility and event management in the context of passionate fan bases. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for future high-profile events, highlighting the need for meticulous planning, robust security measures, and clear communication to ensure a positive experience for both the star and the fans.
