Kolkata/New Delhi: Argentina football legend Lionel Messi has released a commemorative video of his 'GOAT India Tour', notably excluding any footage of his appearance at Kolkata’s Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium).
The omission comes amid a backdrop of administrative mismanagement and fan unrest during the Kolkata leg of the tour, which was marred by mismanagement resulting in fans' outrage and the arrest of the event organiser.
The video, shared on Messi's official Instagram account, includes only one event from Kolkata, the unveiling of Messi’s statue at Lake Town. There are no visuals from Yuva Bharati Krirangan. The rest of the video is dominated by scenes from Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi. It shows Messi playing football with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy at the Hyderabad stadium, interacting with children, kicking the ball into the stands and waving to spectators.
The video also carries moments of Messi interacting with Sachin Tendulkar at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, along with visuals of him engaging with children and the crowd. Brief clips from the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi are also part of the montage. Messi is seen alongside Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, all smiling through the tour. Apart from on-field moments, the video includes events outside the stadium, such as Messi’s participation in the ‘Paddle Cup’ at the Cricket Club of India in Mumbai and photographs with actor Kareena Kapoor Khan.
Although Yuva Bharati Krirangan does not find a place in the visuals, Messi did mention Kolkata in the caption. He wrote, “Namaste India! What incredible visits to Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Kolkata. Thanks for the warm welcome, great hospitality and all the expressions of love throughout my tour. I hope football has a bright future in India! #GOATTourIndia #GOATconcert #Messiinlndia A Satadru Dutta Initiative.”
While Kolkata received a brief mention in the caption, the Yuva Bharati event was entirely left out of the video. Notably, Messi retained the name of Satadru Dutta, the main organiser of the tour, in the caption, despite Dutta’s arrest.
Messi also shared a message reflecting on his visit to India. He said, “First of all, thank you to India for the love I have received over the past few days. It was a wonderful experience. This trip was very short, but the love I received has removed all my fatigue.”
He added, “I knew I would receive love, but I didn't realise how much. Everyone loved me like crazy. I am returning home with this experience. I hope that one day we will play in India. But even if we don't play, I will definitely come to India. Thank you, everyone.”
Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accepted the resignation of state Sports Minister Aroop Biswas, who took moral responsibility for the lapses in management in the event featuring Argentine football star Lionel Messi at the Salt Lake Stadium. Meanwhile, Biswas will continue to be in the cabinet as Power Minister.
