The Kolkata leg of Lionel Messi's GOAT Tour has been marred by controversy, with Indian football legend Bhaichung Bhutia strongly criticizing the "VIP culture" that overshadowed the event held at Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday. Bhutia's remarks come in the wake of chaotic scenes where genuine fans, who had purchased expensive tickets, were allegedly denied a proper view of the Argentinian superstar due to the excessive presence of "unwanted" VIPs.

Expressing his disappointment, Bhutia told ANI that while organizers did their best, the situation spiraled out of control due to the overwhelming VIP presence. He lamented that many VIPs, who were not supposed to be there, crowded the venue, obstructing the view for paying fans. "The genuine fans did not really get to see Messi. So, I think that was where the fans were very upset," Bhutia stated.

The event, part of Messi's three-day fan-focused GOAT India Tour 2025, was intended to be a celebration of football and an opportunity for Indian fans to witness the legend in person. However, the mismanagement and prioritization of VIPs led to widespread anger and frustration among the attendees. Reports indicate that disgruntled fans resorted to vandalism, throwing bottles and attempting to break gates after Messi's early departure, blaming poor event management and VIPs for monopolizing Messi's time.

Bhutia emphasized Messi's immense popularity in Kolkata and throughout India, highlighting the disappointment of fans who had traveled from afar and paid high prices, only to be denied a proper viewing experience. He urged that future events be better organized and that measures be taken to prevent the intrusion of unwanted VIPs. "Hopefully, I think these kinds of mistakes don't happen...Knowing that Messi is worshipped in Kolkata and in India, when they get disappointed paying such a high-price and coming from such faraway places, I think it's very disappointing," Bhutia added.

The West Bengal government has responded to the incident by launching an investigation. West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas announced the inquiry, and Governor Ananda Bose confirmed the arrest of the event organizer, Satadru Dutta, stating that an investigation was underway. Bose criticized the organizers for prioritizing commercial interests over the sentiments of the fans. "They only focused on money-making... The fan mentality should be understood properly... They came with great expectations to see their hero... The concerned authorities did not take care of these instances, which is where the failure lies...," Bose said.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has also expressed concern over the events at the Salt Lake Stadium. The AIFF clarified that it was not involved in the organization, planning, or execution of the event, which was privately organized by a PR agency.

Despite the chaos in Kolkata, Messi's GOAT India Tour 2025 is set to continue with events planned in Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi. It remains to be seen whether organizers will address the issues raised in Kolkata and ensure a better experience for fans in the remaining legs of the tour.