SIT Investigation Reveals Messi Left Kolkata Event Early Over Security Concerns

Lionel Messi reportedly cut short his appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium during his GOAT India Tour in Kolkata on December 13 due to security and crowd management issues, according to statements made by Satadru Dutta, the main organiser of the event, to the Special Investigation Team (SIT).

Dutta told investigators that Messi was “unhappy with being touched or hugged” by fans, despite repeated public announcements to restrain the crowd. The footballer’s foreign security team had raised concerns in advance, but the crowd’s behaviour reportedly remained uncontrolled, prompting Messi to leave before the scheduled end of the programme.

The event descended into chaos as thousands crowded near the field, making Messi barely visible from the galleries. Some spectators later vandalised parts of the stadium, fuelling public outrage.

The SIT, set up by the West Bengal government, is probing security lapses, ground access violations, and the role of organisers and officials. West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas, who was seen in close proximity to Messi during the event, resigned amid mounting criticism.

Dutta also disclosed financial details: Messi was reportedly paid ₹89 crore for the tour, with ₹11 crore in taxes, bringing the total expenditure to ₹100 crore. Of this, 30% came from sponsors and 30% from ticket sales. Investigators also found over ₹20 crore in Dutta’s frozen bank accounts, allegedly from ticket and sponsor proceeds, which are now being verified.

Further investigation is ongoing into how large numbers of people gained access to restricted areas, and whether an influential individual disrupted the original crowd control plan, according to SIT officials.