Messi Kolkata Event Row: 33,000 Fans to Get Ticket Refunds as Bengal Government Announces Action

Kolkata: Thousands of football fans who paid to attend Lionel Messi’s much-hyped event in Kolkata last year are set to get their money back, with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announcing that refunds for around 33,000 ticket holders have begun.

The announcement came on National Sports Day, as Adhikari took aim at the alleged mismanagement surrounding Messi’s appearance at the Yuva Bharati Stadium on December 13, 2025.

Messi’s arrival had drawn fans from across the country, with tickets reportedly priced between ₹4,000 and ₹6,000. However, the event was overshadowed by serious organizational problems, leaving many spectators dissatisfied. Fans subsequently demanded refunds, but the issue remained unresolved for months.

‘Refund Process Has Started’
Adhikari said the refund process has now been initiated and assured fans that those who purchased tickets would receive their money.

While addressing a National Sports Day programme, he also criticized the previous administration over the handling of the event and questioned the alleged influence of politics in Bengal’s sports ecosystem.

He said the changes being planned would aim to bring about a major overhaul of the state’s sports system.

Athletes Honoured on National Sports Day
The Chief Minister also honoured outstanding athletes and handed over appointment letters during the programme.

Taking a swipe at the previous TMC government, Adhikari claimed that documents related to the appointments of several athletes had remained pending in the Chief Minister’s Office for nearly 11 years.

He said Bengal has abundant talent, intelligence, commitment and focus, but lacks adequate systems, initiatives and political will to fully utilize that potential.

₹400 Crore Sports Budget Announced
Adhikari outlined his government’s proposed roadmap for developing sports infrastructure across West Bengal and announced a ₹400 crore sports budget for an eight-month period.

He said the government plans to establish small indoor stadiums across all 294 Assembly constituencies. These facilities are expected to include tennis courts, badminton courts and gyms.

However, Adhikari acknowledged that completing 294 stadiums in a single year would be difficult. Instead, he said the government plans to construct 100 stadiums every year.

The announcement of refunds for Messi event ticket holders is likely to provide relief to thousands of fans who had been waiting for their money back since the controversial Kolkata event.