Even as Kolkata was swept up in feverish excitement over Lionel Messi’s visit on Saturday, one prominent football fan was strikingly absent from the celebrations. Trinamool Congress Member of Parliament Abhishek Banerjee was not seen at the venue.
The celebration at Salt Lake Stadium saw enormous crowds gather for the Argentine superstar’s programme, coupled with an exhibition match between Mohun Bagan Legends and Diamond Harbour FC. Abhishek Banerjee is the chief patron of DHFC, the team that reached the Durand Cup final and clinched the I-League 2 title this year. Yet, despite his deep interest and involvement in the sport, Banerjee did not take part in the day’s main event.
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According to an Ei Samay Online report, sources close to the MP, event organiser Satadru Dutta had personally reached out to Banerjee ahead of the Salt Lake function, inviting him to be present and even offering a pair of boots signed by Messi as a gift. Banerjee, however, politely declined the offer.
Instead, his aides say the MP was keen to explore whether Messi’s presence could be tied to a meaningful initiative in Diamond Harbour for local football enthusiasts. With Messi’s tight schedule, there was no opportunity to arrange such an engagement, and Banerjee communicated well in advance that he would not attend the Salt Lake reception. The MP from Diamond Harbour and Trinamool Congress's national general secretary was more keen to seek Lionel Messi's presence for the development of football in his constituency, rather than attend the event at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan.
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The chaos at Salt Lake
The Salt Lake Stadium event itself grew chaotic as fans, frustrated at not getting a clear view of Messi and upset over how access was handled, vented their anger, even as state ministers like Aroop Biswas and their entourages were seen close to the football icon.
Friends and party insiders also point out that Abhishek Banerjee often consciously skips high-profile public functions, whether film festivals or other government events, choosing instead to prioritise where his presence as an elected representative is most needed.
