Messi Kolkata fiasco: Bengal CM promises refunds for 33,000 fans

Adhikari said the refunds would be made from the state's sports budget and that the process had already been initiated internally.

Speaking at a National Sports Day programme at Nabanna, Adhikari said Messi had a huge fan base and that many supporters had purchased tickets priced at ₹4,000 and ₹6,000.

“Messi has a huge fan base. They had purchased tickets costing Rs 4,000 and Rs 6,000. It is my wish to ensure that the money paid by these 33,000 sports enthusiasts is refunded. I have already initiated the process internally. I hope to be able to accomplish this,” he said, as quoted by India Today.

The Argentine football superstar had visited the Yuva Bharati Stadium in Kolkata on December 13, 2025, as part of a multi-city tour. However, the event descended into chaos amid allegations of mismanagement, leaving several spectators demanding refunds for the tickets they had purchased.

The controversy had also triggered political criticism, with the then state Sports Minister Aroop Biswas facing allegations over the handling of the event. Fans who had paid premium prices for tickets subsequently sought refunds, but the demands remained unresolved.

Adhikari also used the occasion to criticise the previous government over its handling of the state's sports sector.

“You would be surprised to know that the paperwork for many of the athletes who received appointment letters today had been gathering dust in the Chief Minister's office for 11 years,” he said.

He claimed that West Bengal's representation at the Olympics, Asian Games and national teams had been “virtually non-existent” in recent years, while states such as Odisha and Jharkhand had performed better.

“Bengal possesses talent, intellect, dedication, and focus, but lacks the necessary systems, initiatives, and political will. Why must every sports sector or organisation be controlled by politics?” Adhikari said.

He said his government would seek to bring about a transformation in the state's sports administration and infrastructure.

The Chief Minister also announced a ₹400-crore allocation for the sports sector for an eight-month budget period. He said the government planned to establish mini indoor stadiums in all 294 Assembly constituencies, with facilities including tennis and badminton courts and gymnasiums. The government plans to construct 100 such facilities this year.