A brief appearance by football icon Lionel Messi at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in December 2025 was expected to be a historic moment for fans. Instead, for many attendees, the experience turned into disappointment — one that appears to have carried political consequences months later.
As the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections approached, frustration among sections of fans resurfaced, with some linking the poorly managed event to their perception of then Sports Minister Aroop Biswas. Biswas eventually lost from the Tollygunge constituency, with voters citing multiple reasons, including dissatisfaction over the Messi event.
High expectations, brief appearance
The December event had generated significant excitement, with fans paying thousands of rupees for a chance to witness one of football’s greatest players in person. Tickets were priced at ₹4,720 and above, with many travelling long distances to attend what was marketed as a memorable fan experience.
However, Messi’s appearance reportedly lasted only 10 to 15 minutes, leaving many disappointed. For most spectators in the stands, the Argentine forward was visible only on large screens, as he remained surrounded by officials and security personnel on the field.
Subhadeep Saha, an IT professional based in Bengaluru, described the experience as underwhelming. He attended the event with four others, including his friend Debottam Basu and Basu’s 80-year-old father, a lifelong football fan.
“We went early, waited for hours, and when he came, we could not even see him properly,” Saha said. “Even with zoom, it was difficult to get a clear glimpse.”
Fans left disheartened
Many fans had arrived with high expectations, hoping for interaction or at least a clear view of Messi. Some carried posters and memorabilia, anticipating an autograph opportunity that never materialised.
Debottam Basu recalled the emotional disappointment of the day. “My father is 80, a heart patient, but an avid football fan. He just wanted to see Messi once. But we walked out disheartened. There was no interaction, not even a proper glimpse,” he said.
The lack of clarity about the nature of the event added to the frustration. According to attendees, the programme did not match what many had expected, leading to unrest among sections of the crowd inside the stadium.
“This was not a free event. People paid thousands. If it was just a short appearance, that should have been communicated clearly,” Saha added.
Refund concerns and lingering resentment
In the months following the event, several attendees claimed that promised refunds or compensation did not materialise. Saha said his group spent a total of ₹18,800 on tickets, an amount they felt was not justified given the experience.
“There was talk of refunds, but nothing happened. We still have the tickets,” he said.
The financial loss, combined with the emotional disappointment, contributed to a lingering sense of grievance among fans. For many, the event became symbolic of poor planning and lack of accountability.
Political fallout in Tollygunge
The incident also had a political dimension. Saha and others pointed to the presence of Aroop Biswas at the event, alleging that officials crowding around Messi further obstructed public viewing.
“He was there along with many others, surrounding Messi. People could not see anything. That added to the frustration,” Saha said, noting that the minister faced booing during the event.
As election season approached, the issue reportedly became part of local discussions. “We spoke about this before voting. Many people who were there felt the same,” Saha said.
He admitted that the experience influenced his voting decision. “Yes, it did. I voted against him. It was one of the reasons,” he said.
A symbolic moment for voters
While Aroop Biswas’s defeat in the Tollygunge constituency was shaped by multiple political and social factors, the Messi event emerged as a symbolic point of dissatisfaction for some voters.
For attendees like Saha, the episode represented a broader disconnect between public expectations and event management. What was meant to be a celebration of sport turned into a moment of discontent, leaving a lasting impression that extended beyond the stadium.
Conclusion
The Messi event at Salt Lake Stadium highlights how public experiences — even those outside traditional political arenas — can influence voter sentiment. For some, the ₹4,720 ticket became more than just the cost of an event; it turned into a reminder of unmet expectations and accountability, ultimately shaping their choices at the ballot box.
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