Lionel Messi Kolkata event row escalates as organiser vows to expose political interference
The controversy surrounding Lionel Messi’s visit to Kolkata has taken a dramatic turn, with the organiser of the GOAT Tour in India alleging political interference and vowing to “expose everyone” involved in the chaos that unfolded during the Argentine football star’s appearance at Salt Lake Stadium.
Satadru Dutta, one of the key organisers behind the event, broke his silence through a series of social media posts after the recent defeat of the Trinamool Congress in the West Bengal Assembly elections.
Messi, accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul, had arrived at the packed stadium amid massive excitement among football fans. However, the event quickly descended into confusion as political leaders and organisers surrounded the football icon, leaving many spectators unable to properly see or interact with him.
Reports claimed Messi left the venue early due to discomfort caused by overcrowding and the inability to engage with fans. His departure triggered anger among spectators, with some throwing bottles and posters inside the stadium while loud boos echoed across the venue.
Former West Bengal sports minister Aroop Biswas came under criticism after visuals showed him among those crowding around Messi during the event. Biswas recently lost in the state Assembly elections.
Without directly naming him, Dutta shared photographs featuring Biswas and accused influential figures of sabotaging the event.
“Press conference is coming soon. Everything will be exposed. You sabotaged my event. You victimised me. You made all the fans disappointed,” Dutta wrote on social media.
He further alleged that organisers were pressured to issue special ground access cards and claimed members of his team were intimidated and restricted during the event.
Dutta also warned of legal action, stating he was prepared to file a defamation case and approach the Supreme Court if necessary.
The organiser had earlier been detained at Kolkata airport and reportedly spent 39 days in custody before being granted interim bail by a Bidhannagar court on a personal bond of ₹10,000.
The controversy over Messi’s Kolkata appearance had sparked widespread outrage among fans, many of whom criticised poor crowd management and alleged political interference during one of the most anticipated sporting events in the city.
