Lionel Messi’s India tour reportedly cost ₹100 crore, with the footballer receiving ₹89 crore and ₹11 crore paid as tax to the government. Organiser Satadru Dutta told investigators that part of the funds came from sponsors, while ticket sales covered another portion, though investigators question whether the total expenditure aligns with these sources.
The Kolkata event at Salt Lake Stadium descended into chaos when a large number of fans entered the ground, leaving Messi barely visible and triggering anger and vandalism among spectators. Initially, only 150 ground passes were issued, but this number was reportedly tripled after intervention from an influential person.
Despite prior warnings that Messi disliked physical contact, crowd control failed and he was surrounded and hugged by attendees. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the incident, and Dutta was arrested with multiple cases filed against him.
Police have seized ₹22 crore from Dutta’s accounts while investigating possible unaccounted funds, though no official conclusion has been released. The breakdown of expenditure and chaotic management have placed the spotlight firmly on the organisers and security arrangements during the tour.
