Hundreds of football fans from Kolkata and across West Bengal returned home heartbroken and financially strained after a highly anticipated event featuring global icon Lionel Messi descended into chaos due to severe mismanagement. The event, held at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium, promised a once-in-a-lifetime experience but delivered only frustration, leaving many who had spent their savings or taken loans demanding refunds.
Dreams Built on Sacrifice, Shattered by Chaos
The fans had paid significant sums, with ticket prices ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 12,000, for a chance to see their football idol. However, upon arrival, they found themselves blocked by unruly crowds and officials, unable to get a clear view of the player. The promised activities, including Messi spending an hour on the field and taking penalty shots, failed to materialize as expected.
Forid Sekh, a domestic worker from south Kolkata, exemplified the dedication of many. He spent six months saving his tiffin money, setting aside Rs 10 to Rs 20 daily, to gather Rs 5,000 for a ticket. Standing at Ramp 3 of Gate 1, he never caught a glimpse of Messi. "I am really disappointed," he said, echoing the sentiment of countless others who had traveled from distant districts, some spending the previous night on footpaths outside the venue.
Personal Savings and Loans Wasted
The stories of financial sacrifice are profound and painful. Sujit Mahato, a hawker from Purulia, used funds earmarked for an eye operation to buy a Rs 6,500 ticket. "I ended up watching the crowd around the footballer taking selfies," he lamented. "With politicians and many others surrounding Messi, we couldn't even see him from the stands. This will remain a life lesson for me."
Ajay Mishra, a driver from Cossipore, highlighted the scale of investment, noting people spent a month's salary for the event. "I paid Rs 5,000 for a ticket. I earn around Rs 20,000 by driving cars. I came to watch Messi, not politicians," he stated bluntly.
The financial strain extended to students as well. Rohit Kangsabanik, a BCom student, borrowed Rs 1,000 from two friends to supplement his savings from playing football tournaments and catering work, buying a ticket for Rs 5,276. He now faces the stress of repaying a loan without the means. Another student from Krishnanagar spent three years' savings on two Rs 12,000 tickets for himself and his father, only for overcrowding to ruin their experience.
Beyond Money: The Cost of Lost Moments
The disappointment transcends financial loss. Aritra Sarkar from Chandannagore spent pocket money on a Rs 5,277 ticket and an additional Rs 6,000 on a Messi tattoo in anticipation. He managed only a fleeting glimpse. "They might refund the money, but could they return that moment again?" he asked poignantly.
For some, the cost was personal. Mark Williams, a restaurant owner from Picnic Garden, missed his grandfather's funeral mass to attend, only to arrive at 2:30 PM due to traffic and find the event already over. His sacrifice, like those of others who traveled through the night and endured hardship, was rendered meaningless by the poor organization.
A Collective Demand for Accountability
The aftermath of the Salt Lake Stadium event has sparked a unified demand for refunds from the aggrieved fans. Many now seek to reclaim the substantial amounts spent to repay debts and recoup their hard-earned savings. The incident stands as a stark reminder of the gap between promotional promises and on-ground execution for major sporting events, leaving a bitter taste for the common fan who dared to dream of seeing their football god, Lionel Messi.
