Months after the Global Star Lionel Messi’s Kolkata visit ended in confusion and outrage, this last year fiasco has exploded once again.
Satadru Dutta, the organiser behind Messi’s GOAT Tour in India, has now filed a police complaint against former West Bengal sports minister Aroop Biswas, former DGP Rajeev Kumar and IAS officer Santanu Basu.
The case is related to the unforgettable fiasco at Salt Lake Stadium, occurred in December 2025, where thousands of fans who paid hefty ticket prices were left angry and disappointed after failing to properly see the Argentine superstar. Messi’s appearance lasted barely 20 minutes before security concerns and overcrowding forced him to leave early.
Fans reportedly threw bottles, damaged stadium property and attempted to break through restricted areas. Dutta, who spent 37 days in police custody after the incident, now claims he was unfairly blamed while powerful people escaped scrutiny.
Dutta says he was made a “scapegoat” for Messi event
Speaking to ANI, Dutta said, “Even after I refused to provide the access cards, people still managed to enter the venue. How did they get in? I have filed a complaint. I will file a lawsuit seeking damages amounting to ₹50 crore and I will file a separate defamation suit. They made a scapegoat out of me.”
Dutta also alleged that he had repeatedly warned officials before the event about unauthorised entries and security risks. According to his complaint, he was pressured to issue extra access passes and complimentary tickets.
He further told PTI, “My family and I were threatened with dire consequences if I opened my mouth. I had no choice but to keep mum and accept whatever punishment they had decided for me. I would never have mustered the courage to file this complaint, had there not been a change of guard in the State.”
New government orders fresh probe
The issue has now gained political attention after the BJP formed the new government in West Bengal. Newly appointed sports minister Nishith Pramanik has already hinted at reopening the investigation into the “Messi fiasco.”
As quoted by NDTV, Pramanik said, “Our objective from the very outset has been to restore the dignity of all those who were deceived in the ‘Messi fiasco’… the culprits behind this episode will be identified and brought to justice.”
The minister also reportedly said that efforts would be made to help fans who felt cheated during the event, where ticket prices had reportedly gone as high as ₹14,000.
For many football fans in Kolkata, the night that was supposed to celebrate Lionel Messi has now turned into one of Indian football’s most controversial sporting events.