Messi
"Pressured me to give 22,000 tickets": Messi event organiser Satadru Dutta files complaint against ex-Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas
World Cup-winning Argentine footballer Lionel Messi’s India tour organiser Satadru Dutta on Monday filed a complaint against former West Bengal sports minister Aroop Biswas, former DG Rajeev Kumar, and New Alipore councillor Jui Biswas, alleging sabotage of the high-profile event held at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium last year.
Speaking to reporters, Dutta alleged that Aroop Biswas used his influence to grant unauthorised access to the field to meet Messi.
“My event was completely sabotaged,” Dutta said.
He further alleged negligence by the police and claimed security was compromised at the Z-plus category event held on December 13.
“Aroop Biswas had pressured me to provide him 22,000 tickets, which I believe he later sold them. He also threatened me with additional tickets and access cards. When I refused, he used his position to enter the stadium,” Dutta alleged.
He further claimed that Jui Biswas entered the stadium without an access card and even clicked a photograph with Messi.
Messi event chaos
The December 13, 2025 event at Salt Lake Stadium was billed as a rare opportunity for fans to witness Lionel Messi live in action, as part of the “GOAT Tour of India 2025”, which drew massive crowds and saw high-priced ticket sales.
However, the event reportedly turned chaotic within minutes of commencement.
Messi, accompanied by Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, arrived amid huge anticipation, but the situation allegedly deteriorated within 25 minutes of the scheduled one-hour programme. Reports suggest the Argentine star appeared dissatisfied with the arrangements, following which the event was abruptly curtailed.
The early termination triggered unrest among spectators, with some reportedly damaging stadium property.
Hours after the incident, organiser Satadru Dutta was detained at Kolkata airport while reportedly travelling to another event venue. He remained in custody for over a month before being granted interim bail by a Bidhannagar court on January 19.
Multiple cases were subsequently registered in connection with the stadium chaos.
BJP govt to probe incident
Following a change in state government, Sports Minister Nisith Pramanik ordered a fresh investigation into the incident.
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