Sourav Ganguly files ₹50 crore defamation case over Lionel Messi Kolkata event row

Legendary Indian cricketer Sourav Ganguly has filed a Rs 50 crore defamation lawsuit against Uttam Saha, head of the Argentina Fan Club of Kolkata, over claims linking him to the controversial Lionel Messi event in the city. The former Team India captain said the statements were false and harmed his reputation.

Messi’s visit to Kolkata ended in chaos for fans at Salt Lake Stadium, as political presence and tight security prevented them from getting a proper view of the football star. Fans were forced to watch the event on giant screens, leading to anger, damage to property, and police intervention to control the situation.

Sourav Ganguly Files Complaint Against Kolkata-Based Argentina Fan Club President

Days after the messy Lionel Messi event in Kolkata, Sourav Ganguly has taken legal action. He has filed a defamation case against Uttam Saha, the president of the Argentina Fan Club of Kolkata.

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Ganguly said that Saha made false claims linking him to the planning and organization of the event at Salt Lake Stadium. He denied having any role in Messi’s visit.

Sourav Ganguly has filed the complaint at Lalbazar and is seeking Rs 50 crore in damages. He stated that the allegations were made without proof and have harmed his reputation. Ganguly’s legal team has also sent a notice to Saha, asking him 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 Arrives in Kolkata With Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suarez to Unveil Statue

Lionel Messi, accompanied by teammates Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suarez, reached Kolkata to unveil a statue. Fans gathered in huge numbers, eager to see the Argentine icon on his first trip to the country since 2011 and his first as a world champion.

However, the occasion descended into chaos due to poor planning. Fans who paid high ticket prices struggled to even see Messi, as organizers, politicians, and other VIPs crowded around him during his lap of honour. Security issues followed, forcing Messi to cut short his appearance.

The frustration inside the stadium boiled over. Fans protested by damaging property and throwing objects onto the field. What should have been a proud and emotional moment for Indian football fans ended in disappointment, with many feeling that influential figures took centre stage.

Sourav Ganguly Present at the Venue During Lionel Messi’s Kolkata Visit

Sourav Ganguly was at the venue during Lionel Messi’s visit but was seated away from the main area where the crowd trouble unfolded. After the situation got out of control, he exited the stadium and appeared visibly unhappy with the situation.

During his speech in New Delhi, Messi said, "I just want to thank everyone for the love and affection during these days in India. In fact, it was a truly beautiful experience for us to be able to share it."

"And although it was short and intense, it was wonderful to receive all this love that I knew existed, but receiving it directly was amazing. It was a crazy experience, everything they did for us these days.

"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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