Messi in West Bengal: Governor seeks report from state after complaints
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has sought an elaborate report from the state government regarding the arrangements for Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi's program in Kolkata on Saturday, a Lok Bhavan official confirmed. The Governor's intervention follows complaints from numerous football enthusiasts who were reportedly barred from seeing their favourite player due to "hefty" ticket prices.
The Governor has specifically requested clarity on the state government's role in facilitating Messi's visit and questioned why a private entity was permitted to profit significantly "at the expense of the common people's emotions."
"The Lok Bhavan has been receiving calls and mails from football fans complaining that they were unable to get tickets for the Messi match as the prices are beyond their reach," the official told PTI. "The governor is 'shocked to learn that only a few people who have paid a hefty price for the tickets would be able to see the star Argentine footballer," the official added, demanding a detailed report on the private individual earning revenue from the visit.
Messi's GOAT India Tour 2025
Messi's visit, part of his whirlwind three-day, four-city GOAT India Tour 2025, began early Saturday. The legend touched down at 2:26 am, sending the city into a frenzy as thousands braved the December chill to give him a rousing welcome.
He arrived alongside his long-time strike partner Luis Suárez and Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul.
The star-studded program includes a sponsors' meet-and-greet, followed by a tribute event at Salt Lake Stadium featuring music, dance, and an exhibition match between Mohun Bagan 'Messi' All Stars and Diamond Harbour 'Messi' All Stars.
His schedule also includes interactions with both teams, a felicitation of Bengal's Santosh Trophy-winning side, and a "Master Class with Messi" for children.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other dignitaries have been invited, and Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan is also scheduled to join the programmes in Kolkata.