The main organizer of Lionel Messi’s GOAT Tour in India has filed a complaint against former West Bengal Sports Minister Arup Biswas, alleging misconduct and irregularities during the high-profile event last year. The complaint comes due to chaotic scenes at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata in December 2025 during the football icon’s appearance.
Satadru Dutta accused the former minister of interfering in the management of events and misusing tickets during the event Kolkata leg of the event. He claimed that he had been unfairly made into a “scapegoat” due to lapses in the organisation. Dutta plans to pursue legal action, including a $A damages claim of Rs 50 crore and a separate defamation suit.
“Sports Minister Arup Biswas, who took the tickets from me, I think he sold them in black. He subjected me to severe threats regarding issuance of admit cards,” Dutta told news agency ANI. He also alleged that although certain entry cards were refused to be issued under pressure, there was still unauthorized entry into the venue.
“Even after I refused to provide entry cards, people were still able to enter the place. How did they get in? I have filed a complaint covering all these specific grievances. I will be suing for damages up to $“Rs 50 crore and I will file a separate defamation suit,” he said.
Last week, the new Sports Minister of West Bengal, Nisith Pramanik, called for an investigation into the incident, PTI reported. He claimed that sports in the state suffered due to politicization and the culture of VIPs in the previous era Trinamool Congress regime.
Chaos during Messi’s appearance in Kolkata
Messi’s appearance in Kolkata in December 2025 attracted thousands of fans. Ticket prices reportedly range from approx $3500 LBP $12000according to seating categories.
The football icon appeared for only 20 minutes and was under tight security control, which limited his visibility to a large segment of the audience. Frustration quickly built up among fans who expected closer interaction with Messi.
Some of them started vandalizing parts of the stadium. Chairs were thrown, benches were damaged, and some attendees attempted to breach restricted areas. The police were called to restore order.
Controversy surrounding Messi’s tour in India
Messi’s ‘GOAT Tour’ across India, covering Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi, was intended as a celebratory football showcase featuring appearances from international stars. The Kolkata match became the most controversial due to allegations of mismanagement.
The All India Football Federation later clarified that it was not participating in the privately organized event.