Messi India tour chaos: Organiser Satadru Dutta sent to 14-day police custody | VIDEO
Kolkata: Promoter and organiser of Lionel Messi's GOAT India Tour 2025, Satadru Dutta, appeared before Bidhannagar Court on Sunday, a day after his arrest linked to the disorderly episode at Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday.
The court remanded him to 14 days of police custody.
Messi's Kolkata segment of the GOAT Tour spiralled into mayhem Saturday as ticket-holders furious over steep prices at the Salt Lake Stadium event hurled bottles and tried forcing gates between stands after the Argentine star departed prematurely. Enraged supporters vandalised the Kolkata venue, decrying shoddy organisation and slamming VIPs and politicians for monopolising the football legend's presence and time, denying fans any sight of Messi.
Tensions peaked as irate crowds pushed to storm the pitch, targeting the tent and goalpost. Police deployed mild force to scatter the mob from the field.
Following Kolkata's fiasco and Hyderabad's triumph, the Argentine icon now awaits a fervent reception from Mumbai fans. The World Cup champion has arrived at the Taj Mahal Hotel.
Fans at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium savoured a memorable evening Saturday, catching Argentina's FIFA World Cup hero Lionel Messi in action during the second leg of his GOAT India Tour.
After Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium unrest, sparked by fan outrage over VIPs and politicians reportedly dominating Messi's time and focus, the 38-year-old's Hyderabad outing proved enjoyable for all. He joined a 7-on-7 exhibition soccer game with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, basked in roaring crowd affection, and met Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
The soccer superstar gifted Rahul Gandhi his famed number 10 Argentina jersey as the Congress figure snapped photos with him and Inter Miami mates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul. Telangana Chief Minister honoured the football legend with a memento.
Messi, serving as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, created lasting memories for venue children by kicking the ball with them briefly.
During his stay, the Maharashtra Sports Department will pick under-14 football talents statewide, granting them Sunday practice sessions with Messi.
Delhi marks Messi's last stop on the 'GOAT Tour 2025' on Monday.
With inputs from ANI