The Kolkata leg of Lionel Messi’s GOAT tour ended in utter chaos when the Argentine superstar decided to leave the Salt Lake Stadium after just 22 minutes, causing the fans to turn violent. The supporters who came in large numbers barely got a glimpse of Messi and this he forced them to vandalize the stadium and destroy property.
After the drama that unfolded at the spot, Additional Director General of Law and Order Jawed Shamim confirmed that Shatadru Dutta was detained and later arrested. But who is behind bringing Messi to India?
Who is Shatadru Dies?
Shatadru Dutta IS a prominent sports promoter and philanthropist and was a key figure in bringing football legends like Lionel Messi, Pel, Diego Maradona and Cafu to India. As the founder of ‘A Shatadru Dutta Initiative’, he focuses on sports promotion, celebrity management and social affairs.
Born in Rishra, West Bengal, Dutta began his career in finance and investment before focusing on sports promotion. His efforts brought many international football stars to India.
Before that he had no connection with any political party. After the arrest, DGP Rajiv Kumar said that Dutta had promised to refund all the disappointed fans who had barely caught a glimpse of Messi.
“The mastermind has been arrested. Investigation has started and we will ensure that whoever is responsible is brought to justice,” said DGP Rajiv Kumar.
“Many fans believed they would see Messi play. The situation is now under control. The organizers said compensation will be provided and they are giving written assurances,” he added.
Dutta was also criticized by former cricketer and Bengal Sports Minister Manoj Tiwary, who said the organizer should be severely punished for mismanaging the event.
“I have no words for what happened in my city today! This is shambolic! I, as an international athlete, feel how embarrassing it was for Messi today. We all love him and the madness was well expected! The organizer of Satadru has already been arrested and I thank the police department for their swift action. The way Satadru played with his hard earned money in the football stadium today deserves a Bengalemotion in the football stadium. Alarming punishment… Another case false promise and complete mismanagement by Satadru I was not present today.. I always doubted whether he has the credibility to handle such an event in Kolkata. A legend like Leo Messi deserves better measures.(Credit: Manoj Tiwary X)
It is not yet confirmed whether Dutta was released after the investigation when Messi left for Hyderabad.
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Published on:
December 13, 2025
