What was meant to be a once-in-a-lifetime celebration for Indian football fans turned chaotic on Friday as Lionel Messi’s much-awaited appearance at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium ended in disorder and disappointment.
Messi’s lap of honour was cut short after serious crowd management issues surfaced inside the stadium. A security breach forced officials to tighten the protective ring around the World Cup winner, leaving him surrounded by a thick wall of guards and a massive entourage. While the move was aimed at ensuring safety, it also meant thousands of fans in the stands barely caught a glimpse of the football icon they had waited hours to see.
That frustration spilled over quickly. Boos rang out across the stadium, directed at officials and politicians present at the venue. Water bottles were thrown onto the pitch, and live visuals showed Messi abandoning his lap midway as the situation became increasingly difficult to control. In the stands, emotions ran high, with some supporters vandalising banners and damaging seats, clearly upset with how the event was handled.
#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal: Angry fans threw bottles and chairs from the stands at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium
Star footballer Lionel Messi has left the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/mcxi6YROyr---Advertisement---— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2025
The scenes were a stark contrast to what should have been a celebratory moment, and questions are now being asked about planning and execution. Amid the chaos, attention has turned toward the organiser behind Messi’s India visit is Satadru Dutta.
Who is Satadru Dutta?
Satadru Dutta, born in Rishra in West Bengal’s Hooghly district, is a well-known sports promoter, event organiser, and philanthropist. He began his professional journey in finance and investment before deciding to follow his passion for sports. Over the years, Dutta has played a key role in bringing global football legends like Pele, Diego Maradona, and Cafu to India, helping bridge the gap between Indian fans and international icons.
Why bring Lionel Messi to India?
Dutta’s organisation works across sports marketing, celebrity management, and social initiatives. The idea behind bringing Lionel Messi to India was to honour one of football’s greatest careers and give Indian fans a rare chance to experience the magic of the Argentine legend up close. While the intent was clear and ambitious, the fallout at Salt Lake Stadium has raised serious concerns about crowd control and event management at such large-scale appearances.
As investigations and reviews are expected to follow, one thing is certain – the day that promised celebration will instead be remembered for the chaos that unfolded around one of football’s biggest stars.
