The investigation into the chaotic Lionel Messi event at Salt Lake Stadium on December 13, 2025, has taken a dramatic turn. Satadru Dutta, the main organiser currently in custody, has told the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that the Argentine legend was “extremely unhappy” and “irritated” by the lack of physical boundaries during his brief appearance.
According to SIT sources, Messi’s security team had issued clear, pre-event protocols stating that the footballer was not to be touched, hugged, or approached for selfies by unauthorized individuals.
VVIP Overpowering & Security Lapses
Dutta’s testimony sheds light on how the planned “G.O.A.T. Tour” event collapsed:
- The “Influential” Factor: Dutta claimed that he initially issued only 150 ground passes. However, an “influential person” (later identified as a prominent politician) allegedly “overpowered” him, forcing the number of passes to be tripled to 450.
- Unacceptable Proximity: Visuals from the event showed several politicians and their acquaintances surrounding Messi. Notably, West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas was seen holding Messi around the waist for photos—a direct violation of the security protocol.
- Early Exit: Because of the suffocating crowd and constant physical contact, Messi reportedly instructed his private security to escort him out after just 20 minutes, nearly 70 minutes earlier than scheduled.
Political Fallout: Sports Minister Resigns
The backlash from the event has claimed its first major political casualty.
- Aroop Biswas Steps Down: On Tuesday, December 16, Aroop Biswas resigned from his post as the State’s Sports Minister. While he remains the Power Minister, his resignation from the sports portfolio was seen as a move to ensure an “unbiased probe” after he was widely criticized for “hogging” access to Messi.
- CM’s Apology: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who was unable to enter the stadium due to the ensuing riot, has issued a public apology to both Messi and the disappointed fans.
The Financial Audit: ₹100 Crore Tour
Dutta also disclosed staggering financial details of the visit:
- Messi’s Fee: The World Cup winner was reportedly paid ₹89 crore for the promotional tour, with an additional ₹11 crore paid in taxes, bringing the total cost to ₹100 crore.
- Frozen Assets: The SIT has frozen bank accounts belonging to Dutta containing over ₹20 crore. Investigators are now verifying if these funds were legitimately collected from ticket sales and sponsors or if there were financial irregularities.
The “G.O.A.T. Tour” Timeline
- Kolkata (Dec 13): Event ends in a riot; Salt Lake Stadium vandalized; fans demand refunds for tickets priced between ₹5,000 and ₹16,000.
- Hyderabad (Dec 14-15): A more controlled environment where Messi interacted with fans and celebrities, including Anant Ambani.
- Investigation (Dec 18-20): Raids at Dutta’s residence; seizure of luxury assets and documents.