Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Kolkata Struggles to Say Goodbye as Messi Retires
Lionel Messi is a famous football player who is deeply loved in Kolkata.
He first played there in 2011, and many people still remember that day.
One referee, Biplab Poddar, says the match changed his life.
Some fans have built their lives around Messi, including Soumindra Ghosh, who owns a Messi-themed cafe.
Another fan, Surojit Saha, got a tattoo of Messi when the player retired from Argentina’s team.
Messi’s visit to Kolkata last year was disappointing because many ticket-holders could not see him clearly.
The event became chaotic when angry fans damaged parts of the stadium.
Even so, Kolkata fans hope Messi may visit again someday.
Lionel Messi’s international retirement has left Kolkata fans feeling that an important football era is ending.
Messi’s September 2, 2011 appearance at Salt Lake Stadium created lasting memories for fans and assistant referee Biplab Poddar.
Soumindra Ghosh’s Messi-themed cafe and Surojit Saha’s tattoo illustrate the superstar’s deep personal influence in Kolkata.
Messi’s December 13 visit last year ended poorly when fans said they could barely see him before he left over safety concerns.
Kolkata supporters still hope Messi could return through a possible Inter Miami pre-season tour in South Asia.
- Who
- Lionel Messi, Kolkata football fans, assistant referee Biplab Poddar, cafe owner Soumindra Ghosh and fan Surojit Saha.
- What
- Kolkata is reflecting on Messi’s international retirement and its long, emotional relationship with him.
- When
- The reflection followed Messi’s retirement announcement; his first Kolkata appearance was on September 2, 2011, and his later visit occurred on December 13 last year.
- Where
- Kolkata, especially Salt Lake Stadium, with references to fans from elsewhere in India.
- Why
- Messi’s 2011 appearance created lasting devotion, while his disappointing later visit left fans hoping for one more chance to see him.
Devotion and Hope
Disappointment and Closure
What retirement means
Devotion and Hope
Fans see Messi’s retirement from Argentina’s team as the end of a deeply personal sporting journey, but some still hope he will return to Kolkata.
Disappointment and Closure
The retirement announcement reinforces the feeling that Kolkata may no longer see Messi play for Argentina.
The later Salt Lake Stadium visit
Devotion and Hope
Supporters viewed Messi’s return as a rare opportunity to celebrate their connection with him.
Disappointment and Closure
Many ticket-holders could barely see Messi during his brief appearance, and the resulting anger led to damaged gates, chairs and objects being thrown onto the pitch.
- First Kolkata appearance
- September 2, 2011, in an Argentina-Venezuela friendly at Salt Lake Stadium.
- Messi’s role in 2011
- He wore Argentina’s captain’s armband for the first time, according to Biplab Poddar’s recollection.
- Assistant referee
- Biplab Poddar officiated the 2011 match and said it brought him lasting recognition.
- Messi-themed business
- Soumindra Ghosh owns the Dum Dum Leo Cafe, which displays Messi memorabilia and screens matches.
- Later Kolkata visit
- Messi returned to Salt Lake Stadium on December 13 last year during the GOAT Tour.
- Ticket prices
- Some attendees reportedly paid up to Rs 14,000 to see Messi.
- Possible future visit
- Fans hope for a prospective Inter Miami pre-season tour in South Asia.
