Former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia on Sunday called the chaos at Lionel Messi’s public event at Calcutta’s Salt Lake Stadium undesirable, saying sporting events should be given «priority» over political and bureaucratic formalities.
Bhutia said after a running event in Calcutta that fans come to watch sports and players, not political speeches or ceremonial delays.
“I think if there is a sporting event, sport should take priority,” he said.
Criticizing the practice of postponing events for VIP appearances, Bhutia said, «Across India, we often see sporting events postponed due to political speeches, handshakes of chief guests and the like. There is no need for that. Fans and players come to watch the sport, and the sport should start instead of waiting for VIPs.»
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Speaking about Argentinian superstar Messi’s recent GOAT Tour of India, Bhutia said, «It was good to see that fans not only in Kolkata but in different cities just wanted to see the sporting event, who wanted to see only Messi and nothing else.» Bhutia expressed hope that the episode would lead to a change in approach.
“I hope this is a lesson we will learn and that this trend will change,” he added.
A Messi promotional event in Calcutta descended into chaos at the Salt Lake Stadium due to organizational errors and poor crowd management.
Thousands of fans became frustrated as politicians, celebrities and officials crowded around the football icon, limiting public interaction and significantly reducing his time on the pitch. The spectators also went crazy in the stadium.
Published on December 21, 2025
