Messi event chaos: Ganguly sues Kolkata Argentina Fan Club president for Rs 50 Cr

Former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has filed a defamation case against Uttam Saha, president of the Argentina Fan Club of Kolkata, seeking Rs 50 crore in damages. The legal action follows allegations by Saha linking Ganguly to the chaotic management of the Yuva Bharati Stadium event during Lionel Messi’s visit to Kolkata on December 13. Ganguly’s complaint, filed at Lalbazar, asserts that Saha’s statements were baseless, malicious, and harmful to his reputation.

In his filing, Ganguly clarified that he had no official role in organising or managing the Messi event, attending only as an invited guest. He rejected claims that he acted as a middleman in the programme’s management, which was overseen by the event organiser, Satadru Dutta. The complaint highlights that Saha’s public remarks were made with full knowledge of the reputational harm they could cause, and his legal team has issued a notice demanding a retraction and compensation.

The Messi event at Yuva Bharati Stadium faced widespread criticism due to poor crowd control and organisation, leaving fans frustrated despite paying high ticket prices. Ganguly was present in a separate area and exited the stadium visibly disappointed as the situation in the stands deteriorated. Satadru Dutta was subsequently detained for questioning, and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee publicly apologised to Messi and the fans for the mismanagement.

The incident drew national and international attention to deficiencies in planning high-profile sporting events in India and reignited discussions around VIP culture at such functions. Reports and videos emphasised limited interaction between Messi and fans, while officials and invited guests occupied key areas of the venue, amplifying public dissatisfaction and the backlash surrounding the event. Ganguly’s legal action now adds a further layer to the controversy. (With inputs from Agencies)