Messi’s adviser alleges ex-minister breached security protocol at Kolkata event

Lionel Messi’s chief adviser and consultant to the GOAT India Tour has reportedly written to the Bidhannagar police commissioner, alleging that former West Bengal sports minister Aroop Biswas violated security protocols during Messi’s appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium last year, leading to the footballer’s early departure. The email, sent on Wednesday, details a series of breaches that compromised Messi’s security and disrupted the scheduled programme.

According to sources, the approved protocol for the December 13 event allowed no dignitaries on the field and permitted only three designated camera operators. However, the letter claims that Mr. Biswas entered the playing area and engaged in unauthorised interactions, including repeated unscheduled physical contact with Messi. The adviser stated that the former minister placed his hands on Messi’s shoulder and around his waist for photographs, actions not part of the planned itinerary.

Furthermore, the letter alleges that approximately 40 unaccredited photographers and several other unauthorised individuals gained access to restricted zones. This, the adviser contends, created a chaotic environment and raised serious concerns about Messi’s security, making it impossible for him to interact with the individuals originally planned and prompting his early exit from the stadium.

The controversy resurfaced on a day when Messi achieved a major milestone in his World Cup career, becoming the joint highest goal-scorer in tournament history and netting his first World Cup hat-trick. The timing has drawn renewed attention to last year’s event, which was intended to be a highlight of the GOAT India Tour, a commercial venture that brought the Argentine superstar to Kolkata for a public interaction.

When approached for comment, Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand said that he had no such report and urged against “spoiling the atmosphere.” “Why spoil the mood by asking all this? We have no such reports. We need to check,” he stated. However, Mr. Nand is the commissioner for the Kolkata Police jurisdiction, while the Salt Lake Stadium falls under the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate. The email was purportedly addressed to Bidhannagar Commissioner Tripurari Atharv, who did not respond to multiple attempts by reporters to reach him.

The GOAT India Tour, organised to allow Indian fans a rare opportunity to see Messi in person, was marred by the early exit, which left many attendees disappointed. While the organisers initially cited security concerns, the newly disclosed email provides a more detailed account of the alleged protocol lapses. It remains unclear whether any formal investigation has been initiated or whether the state government will respond to the allegations.

Aroop Biswas, a senior leader of the Trinamool Congress, served as the state’s sports minister at the time of the event but is no longer in that portfolio following a recent cabinet reshuffle. The allegation of his interference adds a political dimension to the incident, though the email focuses primarily on security violations. The adviser’s letter emphasises that the presence of unauthorised persons and the minister’s actions created a situation that was unsafe for the player and contrary to the agreed-upon terms.

The matter underscores the challenges of managing high-profile international visits and the importance of adhering to pre-established security protocols. As of now, no official statement has been issued by the West Bengal government or the organiser of the GOAT India Tour. The Bidhannagar police are yet to confirm receipt of the email or comment on its contents.

This report is based on information from sources and the email contents as shared with the media. The Times of India has not independently verified all claims. Further updates will follow as the story develops.