Dutta reflected on the fallout from the event, which led to massive controversy, allegations of security lapses, and his eventual arrest.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt's not a couple of months. It's now close to six months. See, in my wildest dream, I never thought this because you know Messi, Lionel Messi coming for his first private tour starting from Calcutta, Mecca football, and then you know things happen like this. I never dreamt it,\u201d Dutta told IANS.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The organiser said his attachment to Kolkata played a key role in bringing Messi to the city despite the logistical and financial challenges involved in securing the football superstar for a private appearance.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIf you ask me honestly, I do regret bringing Messi to Calcutta, but I had an emotional connection with this place, being a son of the soil. I thought the fans should see Messi, and Calcutta should celebrate Lionel Messi football. He's, you know, he being a world champion, but then as I told you, I never thought that things would turn around to this,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Dutta claimed the event represented years of effort and persuasion to convince Messi to undertake what he described as the footballer\u2019s first private tour. \u201cIt was a three-year effort, you know, three years of effort I have given to bring Messi. And it was very tough to convince him. It was his first private event, don't forget that,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIf you ask me honestly, I do regret bringing Messi to Calcutta, but I had an emotional connection with this place, being a son of the soil. I thought the fans should see Messi, and Calcutta should celebrate Lionel Messi football. He's, you know, he being a world champion, but then as I told you, I never thought that things would turn around to this,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite the controversy, Dutta maintained that ordinary football fans were not responsible for the event's collapse. \u201cAnd if I just get support from the government, just saying that, okay, the security will be good, I will go for Messi. Why not? Because see, the fans have not done anything wrong, right?\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n