Messi’s Kolkata Event Faces Backlash as West Bengal Government Promises Action

• Lionel Messi ‘GOAT Tour’ event in Kolkata descended into chaos at Salt Lake Stadium, leaving fans disappointed

• The West Bengal government has announced a reinvestigation into the mismanaged event

• Refunds will be issued to fans who could not properly see Messi despite paying for tickets

West Bengal Sports Minister Nisith Pramanik has stated that the newly-inducted Bharatiya Janata Party government will take action against those responsible for the troubled Lionel Messi ‘GOAT Tour’ event in Kolkata. The minister also assured that refunds will be given to fans who paid for tickets but were unable to properly see the football legend during the event.

Messi, along with Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, visited Kolkata in December. However, the event at Salt Lake Stadium descended into chaos after the Argentine arrived late. A significant number of VIPs and officials crowded around him, blocking fans from catching a glimpse.

Messi eventually left the stadium early, which sparked outrage among the crowd, leading to vandalism and clashes with police officers.

“As you all know, the Messi chapter was an embarrassment for this state, and after I took charge, we decided that people because of whom the event was sabotaged will not be spared,” Pramanik told reporters following the Kolkata derby between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal.

“We have also discussed refunding the money of fans who spent their hard-earned savings to see Messi but couldn’t. If that does not happen, we will be forced to take strict action.”

What Will Happen To Salt Lake Stadium Sculpture?

The Sports Minister announced that the West Bengal government will remove the controversial football-themed sculpture outside Salt Lake Stadium. The structure was designed by former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and installed in 2017 ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup.