The controversy surrounding Lionel Messi's GOAT India Tour-Kolkata Edition has taken a fresh turn after reports emerged that the Argentine superstar's team sent an email to the Bidhannagar Commissionerate, highlighting major security and protocol lapses during the event held in Kolkata last year.
The communication from Messi's team stated that event organiser Satadru Dutta was not responsible for the chaos that unfolded during the Kolkata leg and that the situation was beyond his control. The email reportedly blamed former West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas for interfering without authorisation and cited multiple breaches of protocol.
Background of the Controversy
The Kolkata leg of the GOAT India Tour was held at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on December 13, 2025. It descended into controversy amid allegations of poor crowd management and security failures. The situation reportedly forced Messi to leave the venue earlier than planned, disappointing many fans who had spent significant amounts on tickets and access packages.
Messi was accompanied by fellow footballers Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suarez. Members of the entourage felt uncomfortable due to crowding and security concerns at the venue.
Political Reactions
The reported email has triggered fresh political reactions in West Bengal. Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar told the media, "Everybody knows that the Minister was involved, Swarup Biswas (brother of Aroop Biswas) was involved. He was roaming around as if he wanted to; he would have taken Messi to his home for breakfast."
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Rahul Sinha also targeted the former minister, saying, "Aroop Biswas is responsible for the Messi fiasco. At that time, Mamata Banerjee gave directions to arrest someone else to save Aroop Biswas. She got many people arrested, but the real culprit was Biswas, who is absconding. But how long will he abscond? Today, Messi's team also said that with the letter. So he will not be spared."
Legal Action
The development comes shortly after Dutta lodged an FIR at Bidhannagar South Police Station against Biswas, alleging extortion, criminal intimidation, abuse of influence, and illegal diversion and sale of complimentary tickets, accreditation cards, and close-proximity passes linked to the high-profile event. In his complaint, Dutta alleged that Biswas, while serving as Sports Minister, repeatedly demanded complimentary tickets, accreditation cards, and close-proximity passes, exerting pressure on the organisers.
While the Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad legs of the GOAT India Tour were conducted successfully, the Kolkata event remained mired in controversy. Angry fans demanded action and refunds after many were unable to see Messi amid the reported disorder inside the stadium.
