Lionel Messi's India Tour Sparks New Controversy Over Security Issues

Fresh Controversy Surrounds Messi's Kolkata Tour

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], June 18: The ongoing controversy regarding Lionel Messi's GOAT India Tour, specifically the Kolkata segment, has taken a new turn. Reports indicate that Messi's team has sent a communication to the Bidhannagar Commissionerate, raising concerns about significant security and protocol failures during the event held last year.

According to the correspondence from Messi's representatives, the event organizer, Satadru Dutta, was not to blame for the chaos that occurred during the Kolkata leg of the tour, asserting that the circumstances were beyond his control.

The email reportedly pointed fingers at former West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas, accusing him of unauthorized interference and highlighting several breaches of protocol.

This development comes months after the Kolkata event, which took place at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on December 13, 2025, faced backlash due to allegations of inadequate crowd management and security issues. The situation compelled Messi to exit the venue earlier than scheduled, disappointing many fans who had invested heavily in tickets and access packages.

During the India tour, Messi was joined by fellow footballers Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suarez, who expressed discomfort due to the overcrowding and security concerns at the venue.

The email has reignited political discussions in West Bengal. Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar commented, “It is well-known that the Minister was involved; Swarup Biswas (Aroop Biswas's brother) was seen acting as if he had authority, almost as if he wanted to invite Messi to his home for breakfast.”

BJP MP Rahul Sinha also criticized the former minister, stating, “Aroop Biswas is accountable for the Messi incident. At that time, Mamata Banerjee directed the arrest of others to protect Aroop Biswas. Many were arrested, but the real culprit, Biswas, is still evading justice. Today, Messi's team has confirmed this in their letter, and he will not escape accountability.”

This latest development follows Dutta's filing of an FIR at Bidhannagar South Police Station against Biswas, accusing him of extortion, criminal intimidation, and the illegal sale of complimentary tickets, accreditation cards, and close-proximity passes associated with the high-profile event.

In his complaint, Dutta claimed that Biswas, who was the Sports Minister at the time, repeatedly pressured the organizers for complimentary tickets and passes.

While the Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad legs of the GOAT India Tour were executed successfully, the Kolkata event remains embroiled in controversy, with frustrated fans demanding refunds after many were unable to see Messi due to the reported disarray inside the stadium.