Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia voiced his disappointment on December 13, 2025, about the chaos at Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata during an event featuring football legend Lionel Messi. Speaking at Raipur airport after attending the Bastar Olympic closing ceremony, Bhutia said, "It is a bit disappointing because I heard that around 80,000 fans turned up. Everybody loves Messi, but genuine fans did not really get to see him, which is very unfortunate." He added, "I hope organisers learn a lesson to ensure this situation does not happen again. It also spoils the country's name." Bhutia told PTI Videos that Messi’s visit was a good idea but badly affected by poor management. "I think the organisers were under huge pressure," he said. "Many unwanted VIPs surrounded Messi, while real fans missed their chance to see him." Bhutia emphasised, "Organisers should make sure genuine fans actually meet their football hero. Fans traveled from far, including the Northeast and Bengal, to see Messi. When they don't get to see him because of self-claimed VIPs, it becomes very difficult." On India's football condition, Bhutia said it was "not in great shape" but hoped for improvement in the future. He also praised the 'Bastar Olympic' event in Chhattisgarh as a great way to connect youth, especially from Naxal-affected areas, with sports. He said, "Sports is the best medium to connect with the younger generation. I hope in the coming years we will see good sportspersons emerging from Chhattisgarh, especially from Bastar." Bhutia, who belongs to a tribal community, highlighted that tribal players excel in sports, pointing out that 70 to 80 percent of medal winners from the Northeast are tribals.