Paes Says Messi's Kolkata Treatment was Wrong, Demands Sportspersons Lead Bengal's Sports Ministry

Tennis legend and BJP leader Leander Paes on Saturday criticised the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) government over its handling of Lionel Messi’s visit during the “GOAT tour” in December 2025. Paes described the episode as “sad and disrespectful", expressing disappointment over how the global football icon was treated during his time in Kolkata.

Referring to the chaotic scenes that marked Messi’s appearance, Paes said the situation could have been handled better with stronger sports administration. He suggested that experienced figures like Sourav Ganguly or Snehasish Ganguly could have managed the event more effectively, safeguarding both the player’s dignity and the state’s reputation.

Paes also raised concerns about the broader state of sports infrastructure in West Bengal, alleging that facilities remain limited beyond cricket and football. He argued that better planning and investment are needed to support a wider range of sports and nurture talent across disciplines.

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Addressing questions about his identity, Paes said he feels hurt when people question whether he is Bengali. The remarks come shortly after his political shift to the BJP, adding a personal dimension to his criticism while also highlighting ongoing political tensions in the state’s sporting and administrative landscape.

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