A shocking turn of events has unfolded, with cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar pointing the finger directly at football icon Lionel Messi. Gavaskar has labeled Messi as the 'real culprit' behind the chaotic and disappointing fan event in Kolkata, leaving fans and organizers alike in a state of confusion and anger.
The highly anticipated visit by Messi, alongside Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, to Salt Lake Stadium on December 13th, 2025, was billed as a two-hour celebration of football excellence. However, the event took an unexpected turn when it abruptly ended, leaving thousands of eager fans without even a glimpse of their idol.
The aftermath was tumultuous, with angry supporters expressing their frustration violently outside the venue. The tour organizer, Satadru Dutta, found himself in police custody, and fingers were quickly pointed at politicians and VIPs who had crowded around Messi. But Gavaskar, in a bold move, has shifted the blame squarely onto Messi and his team.
But here's where it gets controversial... Gavaskar, writing for Sportstar, argues that Messi's early departure from the event, despite an agreed-upon commitment to stay for a set duration, is the root cause of the chaos. He questions the lack of transparency surrounding the agreement and asserts that Messi and his entourage bear the responsibility for the disappointment felt by the fans.
"If Messi had agreed to a certain timeframe and chose to leave prematurely, the onus is on him and his team," Gavaskar wrote. "While security concerns were raised, Gavaskar insists that Messi faced no real threat and could have engaged with the fans in a more meaningful way, such as taking a penalty kick or simply walking the ground.
Gavaskar further defended the organizers, highlighting the smooth execution of Messi's previous appearances in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. He suggested that the successful events were a result of commitments being honored by both parties.
"Before pointing fingers at the organizers or fellow Indians in Kolkata, it's essential to examine whether promises were kept on all sides," Gavaskar added.
This incident has sparked a heated debate, with fans and experts divided on who should take responsibility. Is it fair to blame Messi for an event that was poorly managed, or should the organizers be held accountable for failing to deliver on their promises?
What are your thoughts? Do you agree with Gavaskar's assessment, or do you think there's more to this story? Join the discussion in the comments and let us know your take on this controversial issue!
