Lionel Messi's India Tour Video Omits Kolkata Event Amid Controversy
Messi's Commemorative Video Excludes Kolkata Appearance
Kolkata, Dec 17: Argentina's football icon Lionel Messi unveiled a commemorative video of his 'GOAT India Tour' on Wednesday, notably leaving out any footage from his visit to Kolkata’s Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium).
This exclusion comes in the wake of significant administrative issues and fan dissatisfaction during the Kolkata segment of the tour, which was plagued by mismanagement, leading to public outrage and the arrest of the event organizer.
The video, posted on Messi's official Instagram, features only one moment from Kolkata—the unveiling of his statue at Lake Town. In contrast, the majority of the footage showcases events from Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi, including Messi playing football with Telangana's Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, engaging with children, and greeting fans.
Additionally, the montage includes Messi's interactions with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, along with clips of him mingling with children and the audience. Brief scenes from the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi are also featured, showing Messi alongside Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, all smiling throughout the tour. The video captures not only on-field moments but also off-field events, such as Messi's participation in the ‘Paddle Cup’ at the Cricket Club of India in Mumbai and photos with actress Kareena Kapoor Khan.
During his time in Kolkata, Messi met various notable figures, including state minister Aroop Biswas, who was present at Yuva Bharati Krirangan. However, neither the minister nor the stadium event is included in the video, while some industrialists are featured instead.
Despite the absence of Yuva Bharati Krirangan in the visuals, Messi acknowledged Kolkata in his caption, stating, “Namaste India! What incredible visits to Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Kolkata. Thanks for the warm welcome, great hospitality and all the expressions of love throughout my tour. I hope football has a bright future in India! #GOATTourIndia #GOATconcert #Messiinlndia A Satadru Dutta Initiative.”
While Kolkata received a brief mention in the caption, the event at Yuva Bharati was completely omitted from the video. Interestingly, Messi retained the name of Satadru Dutta, the main organizer of the tour, in the caption, despite Dutta's arrest.
Messi also expressed his gratitude for the love he received during his visit to India, saying, “First of all, thank you to India for the love I have received over the past few days. It was a wonderful experience. This trip was very short, but the love I received has removed all my fatigue.”
He continued, “I knew I would receive love, but I didn't realize how much. Everyone loved me like crazy. I am returning home with this experience. I hope that one day we will play in India. But even if we don't play, I will definitely come to India. Thank you, everyone.”
On December 13, the Salt Lake Stadium was filled with fans eager to see Messi before the event began. As he arrived, a large crowd surrounded him, making it difficult for security to manage the situation. Many spectators later complained that they were unable to see Messi at all, as he left the field after approximately 22 minutes.
Following his departure, chaos ensued at the stadium, with chairs and bottles being thrown onto the field, and several spectators breaking through gates to enter the playing area. Reports of vandalism in the galleries and restrooms of Yuva Bharati Krirangan emerged.
In response to the incident, the state government established an inquiry committee. Event organizer Satadru Dutta was arrested, and on Tuesday, Aroop Biswas resigned from his position as state Sports Minister. Senior IPS officers, including Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar, received show-cause notices.