Argentina Ambassador Clarifies Messi's Kolkata Visit Was Private, Unofficial Trip
Argentine Ambassador Mariano Agustin Caucino has officially stated that football superstar Lionel Messi's recent tour to India was an unofficial trip conducted in a private capacity, with the Argentine government having no involvement in it. The ambassador made these remarks on Thursday while attending the inauguration of the International Kolkata Book Fair, where Argentina has been designated as the 'focus country' for the first time.
Ambassador's Remarks at the Book Fair
Caucino delivered his statement at the very same hotel where Messi stayed overnight during his visit to Kolkata. When questioned about the chaotic events that unfolded during Messi's appearance at the Salt Lake stadium over a month ago, the ambassador emphasized, "This Messi tour was an unofficial tour in a private capacity, nothing to do with us." He further revealed that he had the opportunity to meet the football legend in Mumbai, highlighting the informal nature of Messi's engagements in India.
Recalling the Chaotic Stadium Event
The Kolkata leg of Messi's India tour descended into utter chaos, exposing significant lapses in event planning and crowd management. Messi arrived at the stadium amidst deafening noise and an unprecedented crowd, only to depart a mere 22 minutes later—more than 40 minutes before his scheduled departure time. This abrupt exit triggered widespread anger and disappointment among the spectators, leading to a rapid escalation of tensions.
- The mood flipped within seconds as frustrated Messi fans went on a rampage, ripping through the stadium infrastructure in protest.
- By the afternoon of the event, chief organizer Satadru Dutta was arrested in connection with the mismanagement and subsequent violence.
Despite the severity of the incident, Ambassador Caucino did not directly address any specifics from the December 13 event during his remarks.
Kolkata's Football Craze and Cultural Appreciation
Instead, the ambassador chose to focus on Kolkata's deep-rooted passion for football and its rich cultural heritage. He expressed his awareness of Kolkatans' love for the sport, mentioning that he had heard about the Argentine national team playing a friendly match against Venezuela in the city 14 years ago. "When I came to India, I learnt about the football craze in Kolkata, as well as Bengal's love for culture and literature. So I am really happy to be here," Caucino added, underscoring his appreciation for the region's vibrant traditions.
Future Prospects for Argentina National Team in Kolkata
When asked about the possibility of the Argentina national team playing again in Kolkata, the ambassador clarified that the Argentine Football Association (AFA) operates independently from the government. "The government does not take any decision in this regard," he stated, indicating that any future matches would be determined solely by the football association based on their own assessments and agreements.
This clarification from the Argentine ambassador provides official context to Messi's controversial visit, separating it from governmental involvement while acknowledging the enduring enthusiasm for football in Kolkata and the broader cultural connections between Argentina and India.
