Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated Kolkata appearance turned into chaos when fans stormed the Salt Lake Stadium after the Argentina star left the venue within 20 minutes. As angry spectators vandalised seats, broke barricades and hurled bottles, one name came under immediate spotlight — Satadru Duttathe organiser of Messi’s GOAT India Tour 2025, who has now been detained by the Bengal Police.
Who is Satadru Dutta?
Satadru Dutta is the promoter behind the GOAT India Tour 2025 and the man responsible for bringing Lionel Messi to India. He operates under his banner A Satadru Dutta Initiative and is known for organising high-profile visits of football legends. Dutta previously facilitated India tours of Pelé, Diego Maradona and Cafu, positioning himself as one of the most prominent figures in India’s football events industry. The Messi tour was envisioned as his biggest project yet — a multi-city spectacle featuring the global icon.
What went wrong at Messi’s Kolkata event?
Despite heavy security, thousands of fans who paid up to ₹20,000 for tickets failed to get even a clear glimpse of Messi. The footballer walked a short distance on the pitch, waved briefly and exited, leaving large sections of the stadium frustrated.
Spectators soon broke through barricades, climbed fences and ripped out stadium seats. Water bottles and debris were thrown onto the track, turning the event into a scene of disorder. Many fans alleged that Messi remained surrounded by VIPs and ministers, and even the giant screens failed to display him properly.
Why has Satadru Dutta been detained?
West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar confirmed Dutta’s detention, stating that the organiser has given written assurance that tickets sold for the event will be refunded. A government-appointed inquiry committee will investigate:
• Whether mismanagement by organisers caused the chaos
• Breach of safety protocols
• Failure to provide promised access to fans
Kumar added that the situation is now under control and “mismanagement will not go unpunished.”
Public outrage and government response
Fans expressed deep disappointment, calling the event a “scam” and criticising both the organisers and authorities. Some travelled long distances, including families with children, only to witness Messi for mere seconds.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued an apology to Messi and fans, calling the incident “deeply disturbing,” and ordered a full probe into the mismanagement.
What’s next for Messi’s India tour?
Messi is scheduled to attend events in Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi as part of the GOAT Tour. Whether any changes will be made to the upcoming venues following the Kolkata incident remains to be seen.
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