Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi reportedly earned a massive sum during his three-day promotional visit to India, highlighting the commercial power of the global icon. Tour organiser Satadru Dutta revealed that Messi received approximately INR 900 million (around PKR 2.835 billion) for the short tour, which began amid chaotic scenes in Kolkata.
According to Indian media reports, citing sources, Messi was paid INR 890 million (PKR 2.8035 billion) for his appearances, while the Indian government collected INR 11 million (PKR 34.65 million) in taxes. Organisers spent over INR 100 million (PKR 315 million) arranging the events, with sponsorships covering around 30 percent of the total expenses.
Despite the substantial fee, Messi reportedly appeared frustrated throughout the tour due to crowd management issues. Spectators frequently breached security protocols, getting too close to the football legend, touching and hugging him against his wishes. These incidents contributed to his visible discomfort during public appearances, particularly at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, where spectators reportedly threw chairs and caused property damage.
Investigations into the disruptions also revealed that local political influence played a role in crowd management failures. West Bengal’s sports minister allegedly used his position to allow relatives and personal acquaintances special access to Messi, further complicating security arrangements.
Authorities have since frozen INR 20 million (PKR 63 million) from Satadru Dutta’s account, which he claims originated from ticket sales for Messi’s events in Kolkata and Hyderabad, as well as contributions from sponsors. The incident has raised questions about event management and safety measures during high-profile sports appearances in India, highlighting the challenges of hosting international stars amid massive crowds.
This high-profile tour underscores Messi’s immense global appeal and the financial stakes involved in his appearances, while also exposing gaps in crowd control and event planning for major celebrity visits.
