Desk Correspondent , Kolkata - The controversy surrounding Lionel Messi's much- hyped "GOAT Tour" visit to Kolkata has taken a dramatic turn, with organiser Satadru Dutta breaking his silence and vowing legal action. The Argentina superstar's visit, which was expected to be a dream moment for fans, instead spiralled into chaos, disappointment, and now serious allegations.
The incident unfolded at the Salt Lake Stadium, where Messi arrived alongside his Inter Miami CF teammates, including Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul. However, instead of a fan- focused interaction, the players were quickly surrounded by political leaders and members of the organising committee, leaving thousands in the packed stadium without a clear view. Despite attempts by authorities to manage the situation, the crowd around Messi remained uncontrolled. Reports suggest the football icon left the venue early, allegedly frustrated by the chaos that prevented him from engaging with fans who had paid heavily for tickets. The situation escalated soon after, as angry fans erupted in protest- throwing bottles and posters, booing loudly, and vandalising parts of the stadium. Amid the backlash, organiser Satadru Dutta was detained at Kolkata airport and spent 39 days in custody before being granted interim bail by a Bidhannagar court.
After his release, Dutta took to social media, indirectly targeting former West Bengal sports minister Aroop Biswas. In a series of explosive posts, Dutta accused powerful individuals of sabotaging the event. He claimed he had warned against taking photos in restricted areas but alleged that influence and authority were misused. He further declared his intention to file a defamation case and even approach the Supreme Court if necessary. Dutta also alleged intimidation tactics, including forced issuance of ground access cards and denial of access when his team resisted. In his posts, he accused unnamed individuals of 'blackmailing the vent and ensuring its failure, adding that a press conference would soon reveal the full truth'.
What was meant to be a historic and celebratory visit by Lionel Messi has now turned into a full- blown controversy involving political accusations, legal threats, and fan outrage. With Satadru Dutta promising to 'expose everything in an upcoming press conference', the fallout from the Kolkata chaos appears far from over, and more revelations could soon shake the sporting and political circles alike.
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