Lionel Messi's Kolkata Appearance Sparks Fan Discontent and Political Fallout
Messi's Brief Visit Turns into Fan Frustration
In December 2025, Lionel Messi made a short appearance at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, which was intended to be a festive occasion. However, for many attendees, it became a source of anger that extended beyond the event itself. As the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections approached, this discontent resurfaced, with some voters associating their negative experience with then Sports Minister Aroop Biswas, who ultimately lost his seat in Tollygunge.
Subhadeep Saha, an IT professional from Bangalore, vividly recalls that day. He spent Rs 4,720 on a ticket and attended with four friends, including Debottam Basu, who brought his 80-year-old father, a heart patient and devoted football fan. “We arrived early and waited for hours, but when Messi finally appeared, we could barely see him,” Saha shared. “Even with my phone zoomed in, I could only make out his hair.”
Fans had high hopes for the event, expecting interactions with Messi. Instead, the Argentine star was mostly surrounded by officials and security, visible only on the large screen for most spectators. “He was never left alone. We wanted to see him properly on the pitch, but that didn’t happen,” Saha lamented.
Messi's appearance lasted only about 10 to 15 minutes, leading to unrest among the crowd as disappointment grew. For Saha and his friends, the letdown was personal. Basu had come prepared with posters and a marker, hoping for an autograph. “He brought those items, thinking Messi would sign them. That’s what fans do,” Saha explained. “But we left feeling disheartened. Nothing like that happened.”
Debottam Basu echoed Saha's sentiments, stating, “We were ready like any fan would be. I had posters and a marker, hoping for a signature from Messi. My father, who is 80 and a heart patient, just wanted to see him once. We all walked out disappointed, and I nearly cried. There was no interaction, no proper glimpse. Everything we envisioned remained on those posters.”
The sense of grievance was widespread among fans who had traveled long distances and spent considerable amounts for what they believed would be a unique opportunity to see one of football's legends. “This wasn’t a free event. People paid a lot. If it was just a brief appearance, that should have been communicated,” Saha remarked.
Months later, promised refunds have yet to materialize, according to Saha. “There was talk of it, but nothing came of it. Rs 18,800 went down the drain, and we still have the tickets,” he stated. The incident also left a political mark, as Saha noted that it influenced his perception of the then Sports Minister Aroop Biswas, who was present during Messi's visit. “He was there, surrounded by others, blocking our view of Messi. That only added to the frustration, and the minister was booed,” Saha recalled.
As the state elections approached, the incident continued to be a topic of discussion. “We talked about it a lot before voting. Not just me, many who were there felt the same way,” he said. Ultimately, Saha admitted that the experience affected his voting decision. “Yes, it did. I voted against him. It was one of the reasons,” he confirmed.
Even months later, the memory of that December day lingers, contributing to a broader sense of dissatisfaction among fans who attended. For individuals like Saha, the experience shaped their views on leadership and accountability in the time that followed. In the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, Aroop Biswas lost his seat in Tollygunge, a result influenced by various factors. However, for voters like Saha, the Messi event served as a reference point, symbolizing poor planning and a disconnect that resonated at the ballot box.