Messi Event Ticket Money to Be Refunded

On National Sports Day, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that the state has initiated the process to refund ticket money to around 33,000 fans who attended Lionel Messi’s controversial event at Kolkata’s Yuva Bharati Stadium last year. He said the reimbursement would be funded through the state’s sports budget.

The event, held on December 13, 2025, was marred by significant chaos and mismanagement, leaving many spectators disappointed. Adhikari said tickets had been sold for ₹4,000 and ₹6,000 and assured that the refund process was being pursued. He also announced a ₹400 crore sports budget and plans to strengthen sports infrastructure across West Bengal, including the construction of 100 mini indoor stadiums this year as part of a larger plan covering all 294 assembly constituencies.