Lionel Messi’s team blames the former Bengal minister for the chaos of events in Kolkata

Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi during an event as part of his GOAT India Tour 2025 (PTI Photo) A new development has emerged in the investigation into alleged mismanagement during Lionel Messi’s ‘GOAT India Tour’ event at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata in December last year. On Wednesday, members of Messi’s team reportedly approached the Bidhannagar Police Commissioner and pointed the finger at former West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas over the chaos that erupted during the football icon’s visit.According to a senior Bidhannagar police official, the email was sent to Tripura police commissioner Atharva by a member of Messi’s entourage who traveled to India as an adviser for the event and was present on the pitch alongside the Argentine superstar.The communication is said to have said that the situation in the stadium went out of control after Aroop Biswas entered the field of play. The complaint alleged that the then sports minister repeatedly touched Messi’s shoulder and waist while trying to take pictures with him.He further alleged that several persons accompanied Biswas to the field despite not having authorization to enter the area. While only three photographers were supposed to be present near the players, the complaint said nearly 40 people ended up entering the pitch, creating a situation that allegedly caused Messi to fear for his safety.According to the email, the circumstances became so unpleasant that Messi was unable to continue participating in the program and was forced to leave the field earlier than planned.Messi’s representatives also reportedly clarified that event organizer Satadru Dutta was not responsible for the incident and had no role in the footballer’s early exit from the stadium.Reacting to the latest development, Dutta told reporters, “It will definitely help in the investigation.”Dutta, who was arrested after the events of December 13 last year, has consistently accused Aroop Biswas of being responsible for the disorder he witnessed at the site. After the BJP came to power in West Bengal, he filed a complaint with the Bidhannagar police alleging that the former minister was responsible for major security lapses during Messi’s visit.The legal battle also intensified. On Tuesday, Dutta filed a plea in the Calcutta High Court challenging the immunity granted to Biswas in connection with the case. His advocate Arindam Jana presented the matter before a division bench headed by the supreme court. Judicial sources said the bench allowed the matter to continue, with a hearing expected later this week.The case stems from an FIR filed against Biswas, after which he sought protection from arrest. Justice Saugata Bhattacharya of the Calcutta High Court granted him relief on several conditions, including cooperation with the investigation. The court also directed the Bidhannagar police to conduct an independent and impartial investigation.Dutta further claimed that 70,000 tickets were printed for Messi’s event at the Yuva Bharati Sports Complex and alleged that Biswas alone grabbed 22,000 tickets due to his position and influence. According to Dutta, these tickets were later distributed among associates of the former minister and also sold, adding to the chaos witnessed that day.The police issued several notices summoning Biswas for questioning regarding the allegations. However, after initially citing health issues for his failure to appear, he reportedly failed to attend the hearing despite receiving further notice.