Lionel Messi's India Tour: Shocking Revelations on Event Costs and Chaos

The recent visit of football legend Lionel Messi to India has sparked controversy following revelations about the event's expenses and subsequent chaos. Organizer Sataru Dutta disclosed that Messi received ₹89 crores for his appearance, with additional payments made to the government. The event, held at Salt Lake Stadium, saw thousands of fans eager to see Messi, but poor management led to frustration and vandalism. In response, the West Bengal government has initiated an investigation through a Special Investigation Team to examine security failures and the organizers' responsibilities. This article delves into the financial aspects and the unfolding investigation surrounding this high-profile event.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 21, 2025, 17:27 IST

Organizer's Shocking Revelations

Sataru Dutta, the main organizer of Lionel Messi's visit to India, made startling disclosures during police questioning regarding the event's expenses. He was apprehended following the chaos and vandalism that occurred during the event.

Messi's Fee

Dutta revealed that the football superstar was paid ₹89 crores for this tour. Additionally, ₹11 crores were paid to the Indian government as tax.

Funding Sources

Out of the total expenditure of ₹100 crores, 30% was sourced from sponsorships, while another 30% came from ticket sales.

Why the Chaos at the Event?

Thousands of fans purchased expensive tickets to catch a glimpse of Messi at the Salt Lake Stadium. However, due to the overwhelming crowd and poor management, Messi was not visible, leading to angry fans causing damage within the stadium.

Investigation by SIT

The West Bengal government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising senior IPS officers. This team is tasked with investigating security lapses, violations of regulations, and the role of organizers in the entire debacle.