Anticipation was high—for most, it was a ‘dream come true’ moment. Fans marched from various places to catch a glimpse of Lionel Messi in Kolkata on 13th December, 2025. The plan was all chalked out by Satadru Dutta—he took the initiative in planning this G.O.A.T tour. Ahead of Messi’s visit, Satadru said, “There’s a great atmosphere of joy that Messi is coming to India after 14 years… It’s also good for the fans, an opportunity to see Messi. Football’s connection to India is growing again. Never before have so many sponsors come to Indian football,” as per NDTV. But that joy eventually turned into a nightmare, with thousands storming the stadium and vandalising it as they failed to get a fleeting glimpse of Messi after paying upto 20k for a ticket.
However, earlier, Satadru been instrumental in bringing icons like Pele and Diego Maradona. But this time, the score backfired due to maladministration, according to the reports. Following this, Dutta has now been detained. Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar stated, “We have persuaded the organiser; he has given in writing that the tickets which have been sold will be refunded. The situation is now under control. We have detained the main organiser and ensured that this mismanagement does not go unpunished and that the fans are adequately compensated.”
The event was slated for four hours, beginning at 9am, with Shah Rukh Khan among the prominent guests. Khan met Messi before the event, which also featured the virtual unveiling of a 70-foot statue attended by Bidhannagar MP Sujit Bose. Later, Messi arrived at the stadium surrounded by security personnel and politicians. The crowd, eager to see Messi, grew increasingly agitated and became difficult to control. As a result, Messi left the venue early, prompting chaos as frustrated fans vandalised the stadium by throwing bottles and tearing down posters. But can we really fault the crowd? Football fever in Bengal is deeply rooted, and such frenzy was hardly surprising—many felt deceived by the unfolding events.
Source: Hindustan Times
The West Bengal CM, Mamata Banerjee, took to X and apologised, “I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium. I was on my way to the stadium to attend the event along with thousands of sports lovers and fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite footballer, Lionel Messi.”
Bengal has long been synonymous with football, from the passionate cheers for East Bengal and Mohun Bagan to the iconic anthem, “Sab khelar sera Bangalir tumi football” by Manna Dey. Yet today, that anthem echoed with irony amid the chaotic scenes in Kolkata.
