Lionel Messi's highly anticipated visit to Kolkata as part of his GOAT India Tour 2025, which included a ₹89 crore fee, was marred by discontent, according to the event's organizer, Satadru Dutta. Despite the significant investment and fervent expectations, the Kolkata leg of the tour was plagued by chaos, security lapses, and mismanagement, leading to Messi's early departure and widespread disappointment among fans.
Dutta, now under scrutiny and facing investigation, revealed that Messi was uncomfortable with the excessive physical contact from the crowd. He stated that Messi "did not like being touched on the back or being hugged," a concern that had been previously communicated by the footballer's security personnel. Despite repeated announcements requesting fans to maintain distance, the appeals were ignored, resulting in Messi feeling "unacceptable to the World Cup-winning footballer".
The Salt Lake Stadium event, intended to be a celebration of Messi's illustrious career, quickly devolved into disarray. Thousands of fans who had purchased tickets, some at prices exceeding ₹10,000, were unable to get a clear view of the Argentine icon. Messi's appearance was cut short to approximately 20–30 minutes due to security concerns and organizational failures. The frustration of the spectators led to vandalism, with some ripping up seats and throwing them onto the pitch.
The fallout from the Kolkata event has been significant. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologized to Messi and the fans, ordering a detailed inquiry into the incident. Sports Minister Aroop Biswas reportedly resigned amidst the disaster. Police detained Satadru Dutta, who now faces multiple charges related to the mismanagement. Authorities have also seized approximately ₹22 crore from Dutta's bank accounts and frozen them, suspecting the use of black money in organizing the event.
Dutta has made several claims during the investigation, including that he was pressured by "influential people" to triple the number of access cards, exacerbating the overcrowding and security issues. He also disclosed that ₹89 crore was paid to Messi for the India tour, with an additional ₹11 crore paid as tax to the Indian government. While Dutta claimed the total expenditure for the tour was ₹100 crore, investigators are doubting his claims, suspecting financial irregularities.
Despite the chaos in Kolkata, the other legs of the GOAT India Tour 2025 in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi were reportedly well-organized and successful. Messi himself acknowledged the "massive love and unforgettable experience" during his visit, expressing his desire to return to India to play a match in the future.
The Kolkata incident, however, has cast a shadow over the tour, raising questions about event management, security protocols, and the accessibility of such high-profile events to the general public. The incident also highlighted the growing divide between premium experiences for a select few and the frustration of the many who are priced out or unable to access their heroes. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are committed to ensuring accountability and preventing similar incidents in the future.
