Sourav Ganguly Files ₹50 Crore Defamation Case Over Messi Kolkata Event

Legendary Indian cricketer Sourav Ganguly has filed a Rs 50 crore defamation case against Uttam Saha, chief of the Argentina Fan Club of Kolkata, for linking him to the controversial Lionel Messi event in the city. The former Team India captain said, "The statements were all false and it harmed my reputation."

Political presence and high security at Salt Lake Stadium have spoiled the visit of Messi to Kolkata, leaving fans without a proper glimpse of the football star. Enraged fans watched the entire event on giant screens, which was enough to enrage them.

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Sourav Ganguly Batsman

Property damages, angry fans, and finally police charges that was the final act of drama in the Lionel Messi event held in Kolkata. Days after the messy event, ex-India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly filed a defamation case against Uttam Saha, the president of the Argentina Fan Club of Kolkata.

Ganguly said, "Saha has made false claims regarding an alleged connection of mine relating to the planning and organization of the event at Salt Lake Stadium." He denied his involvement in Messi’s visit. The complaint has been filed by Sourav Ganguly at Lalbazar, who is demanding Rs 50 crore as damages. He has said the allegations have been made without proof and have caused damage to his reputation. Ganguly’s legal team has also sent a notice to Saha to withdraw the statements.

"Serious allegations are being made publicly without any factual basis," Ganguly said in his complaint, as per India Today. Lionel Messi, along with teammates Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suarez, arrived in Kolkata to unveil a statue. Fans flocked in large numbers to catch a glimpse of the Argentine icon, who was visiting the country for the first time since 2011 and for the maiden time as a world champion.

Former India cricket team captain, Sourav Ganguly, has initiated legal proceedings against Uttam Saha, president of the Argentina Fan Club of Kolkata, filing a defamation suit seeking Rs 50 crore in damages. The action comes in response to Saha's public allegations linking… pic.twitter.com/s10sI3pUJU

— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) December 18, 2025

However, the whole event turned into chaos because of a lack of proper planning: high-priced ticket buyers hardly spotted Messi; organizers, political people, and VIPs swarmed around Messi during his lap of honour. Security problems forced Messi to end the event sooner than expected.

The frustration spilled out inside the stadium as fans protested by damaging property and throwing stuff onto the ground. What should have been a proud and emotional moment for Indian fans in football ended in disappointment as many felt influential figures took centre stage. Sourav Ganguly was present at the venue during Lionel Messi’s visit but was away from the main area where the crowd trouble unfolded. After the situation spiralled out of control, he left the stadium and looked visibly discontented with the situation.

During the conference in New Delhi, Messi said, "I just want to thank everyone for so much love and affection these days in India. In fact, it was really a beautiful experience to share with us. "And although it was short and intense, it was wonderful to receive all that love, which I knew existed, but getting it directly was amazing.

"So, we carry all this love with us, and we will definitely return, hopefully one day to play a match or on another occasion, but we will definitely return to visit India. Thank you very much," he added.

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by Dwijesh December 19, 2025