Former India football skipper Bhaichung Bhutia has openly criticised the disorder that marred Lionel Messi’s much-hyped Goat India Tour event at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, saying such mismanagement reflects poorly on India on the global stage.

Speaking to reporters after attending the closing ceremony of the Bastar Olympics 2025, Bhutia said that while Messi’s visit was a landmark moment for Indian football, the chaos surrounding the event left thousands of genuine fans disappointed.

According to Bhutia, nearly 80,000 spectators turned up at the stadium, driven by their admiration for the Argentine superstar. However, many ticket-holding fans were denied even a glimpse of Messi due to poor crowd control and excessive VIP interference. “Everyone loves Messi, but the real supporters didn’t get to see him. That’s extremely unfortunate,” he said.

Bhutia pointed out that the problem was not the event itself, but how it was handled. He noted that a large number of unnecessary and self-proclaimed VIPs crowded around Messi, effectively blocking access for ordinary fans. “The idea was good, but execution failed badly. Organisers seemed under immense pressure, and the focus shifted away from fans,” he remarked, adding that such incidents must not be repeated.

He stressed that fans who travelled long distances—especially from regions like the Northeast and across West Bengal—and paid to attend the event deserved a better experience. “When people come from far away to see someone they truly admire, and they are pushed aside for VIPs, it creates anger and heartbreak. This kind of mismanagement damages the country’s image,” Bhutia said.

The former captain also used the moment to reflect on the larger condition of football in India, admitting that the sport is currently facing challenges but expressing hope that lessons will be learned from such setbacks.

Beyond criticism, Bhutia highlighted positive developments in grassroots sports, praising initiatives like the Bastar Olympics in Chhattisgarh for encouraging youth participation, particularly in regions affected by extremism. He said sports can play a powerful role in connecting with young people and nurturing talent.

Drawing from his own background, Bhutia noted that tribal communities possess immense sporting potential, citing the Northeast’s strong representation among India’s medal winners. He urged authorities to ensure better planning, inclusivity and fan-first approaches in future sporting events so that both supporters and young athletes feel truly valued.

Overall, Bhutia’s remarks served as both a warning and a call for reform—underscoring the need for professionalism in hosting international sports icons, while also advocating stronger grassroots development across India.