Bengali Actress Subhashree Ganguly faced intense online trolling after sharing photographs with Football Legend Lionel Messi during his chaotic visit to Salt Lake Stadium on December 13, 2025, prompting her husband, director and politician Raj Chakrabarty, to publicly defend her. The incident stemmed from Messi's brief appearance at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) as part of his GOAT India Tour 2025, which descended into disorder due to poor crowd management.

Over 60,000 fans gathered expecting a longer interaction, but the Argentine star's time on the field lasted only about 20 minutes, surrounded by VIPs, celebrities, and officials, leaving many unable to catch a clear glimpse. Frustrated spectators threw bottles, ripped up seats, and vandalized parts of the venue, leading to the early cancellation of planned segments involving figures like Shah Rukh Khan, Sourav Ganguly, and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Subhashree Ganguly, invited as a representative of the Bengali film industry (Tollywood), managed to pose for photos with Messi amid the restricted access area. Her social media posts of the moments drew backlash from disappointed fans, who accused her of enjoying privileges while ordinary ticket holders—some paying thousands of rupees—saw little of the event. Comments highlighted the perceived "VIP culture," with some questioning her connection to football and suggesting the access came via influence.

Also Read: Lionel Messi Lands in Mumbai for GOAT Tour Events with Sachin Tendulkar

In response, Raj Chakrabarty took to social media to condemn the trolling, describing his wife's "crime" as simply posting a photograph with Messi. He called the stadium chaos "uncalled for" and an "insult to Bengal," urging critics to distinguish between legitimate protest and personal humiliation, especially toward a woman. Chakrabarty emphasized that Subhashree, like the fans, had attended to see the football icon and was equally hurt by the mismanagement. The episode has sparked broader discussions on event organization and equitable access at high-profile gatherings in India.

Also Read: Lionel Messi Arrives in Hyderabad for His G.O.A.T India Tour 2025 Exhibition Match