Bengali film actor Subhashree Ganguly has come under intense criticism on social media after sharing photographs with football legend Lionel Messi during his visit to Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. The backlash erupted as many fans, some of whom reportedly spent large sums and travelled long distances, claimed they were unable to catch even a brief glimpse of the Argentine superstar.
The criticism intensified after a video of an angry fan went viral, in which he said he paid a high ticket price only to see celebrities in attendance rather than Messi himself. The incident triggered widespread debate over access, privilege, and crowd management at the event.
Subhashree Ganguly, who is married to filmmaker and Trinamool Congress MP Raj Chakraborty, shared her pictures with Messi on social media with the caption that she had “represented the Bengal film fraternity” at the GOAT India Tour. The post quickly attracted negative reactions, with several users questioning her presence at a football event and accusing organisers of prioritising celebrities over genuine supporters.
As criticism mounted, the actor disabled the comments section on her Instagram post.
Online Backlash
On social media platforms, several users expressed anger and disappointment. Some questioned her connection to football, while others described the situation as unfair to fans who waited for hours. Comments accused celebrities of leveraging influence to gain access, while ordinary fans were left frustrated outside the venue.
The controversy added to the larger outrage surrounding Messi’s Kolkata visit, which had already drawn criticism over crowd control and VIP access.
Hyderabad Visit Brings Relief to Fans
Following the troubled Kolkata stop, Messi’s next appearance in Hyderabad was received far more positively. At the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner participated in an exhibition match alongside teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul.
The event saw better organisation, allowing fans to enjoy Messi’s presence on the field. He interacted with spectators, showcased brief moments of skill, and even kicked footballs into the stands as souvenirs. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi were also present and felicitated the football icon after the match.
While Messi’s Hyderabad visit restored enthusiasm among Indian fans, the Kolkata episode continues to spark debate over celebrity privilege, fan access, and event management during high-profile international sports tours.
