Fans were outraged after Sanjiv Goenka posted a video of himself with Messi
RPSG Group Chairman Dr. Sanjiv Goenka has faced severe backlash from disappointed football fans after posting a video of his conversation with Lionel Messi, moments after the Argentine star was quickly ushered away from Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. Fans believe Goenka and organizers prioritized private engagements over the promised public appearance, leading to chaos and frustration among thousands of ticket holders.
The controversy stems from Messi's brief visit, during which he was slated to address fans gathered at the stadium. Instead, the Inter Miami superstar was quickly removed. Many fans, who paid exorbitant prices—reportedly up to ₹12,000—for tickets, accused Goenka of "looting fans" by monopolizing Messi's limited time.
Social media users were quick to slam the video, arguing that the time spent on the conversation, which was uploaded online, should have been dedicated to the fans. One fan wrote: "Uploading this video right after the horror show at salt lake just shows the level of ignorance for true fans."
The scene at the stadium was described as "utter chaos." A fan who was present told ANI that they were unable to get a clear view of Messi because he was constantly surrounded by over 50 people. "We could not even get a glimpse of him for once... He just waved a couple of times, and that's it," the fan lamented.
Another person slammed the organization, calling the entire event a "total scam" and demanding a refund. "The management was so bad. It is a black day for Kolkata... The ministers were there with their children, and the other people could not see anything," the fan stated, highlighting the perceived elitism of the viewing experience.
The private session with Goenka and others followed the virtual inauguration of a 70-foot statue of Messi. However, the subsequent posting of the video, amidst reports of stadium vandalism by the 100,000+ frustrated attendees, has only amplified the anger toward the organizers and Dr. Goenka.
