Messi India Tour Chaos: Politicians Face Criticism Over Event Management

Thousands of fans descended into chaos at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday when they were unable to catch a glimpse of football legend Lionel Messi during his India tour. The angry spectators, who had purchased tickets, threw chairs, broke seats, and tore banners in frustration. Multiple videos documenting the unrest quickly circulated across social media, drawing widespread attention to the poorly managed event.

Politicians’ Involvement Under Fire

Industrialist Harsh Goenka voiced strong criticism against event organizers, particularly questioning why politicians were positioned so closely to Messi while fans and fellow athletes watched from a distance. “Why are politicians surrounding Messi, while fans and fellow sportspersons watch from afar? Is it because stadiums, police, permissions and logistics are state-controlled?” Goenka questioned on X, emphasizing that this reflects broader issues in India’s sports governance.

Broader Concerns About Event Management

The controversy extended beyond Kolkata. At Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, actors Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff were booed by the crowd during a felicitation ceremony led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. This awkward moment further highlighted the tension between celebrity appearances and fan expectations.

Following the Kolkata incident, Shatadru Dutta, the organizer of Messi’s India Tour, was arrested after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ordered an inquiry into the stadium chaos. The incident has reignited debates about event management, sports governance, and the role of politicians in major sporting events across India.