Subhashree Ganguly Says Her Children Received Death Threats After Messi

Bengali film actor Subhashree Ganguly has strongly responded to intense online trolling after photographs of her with football legend Lionel Messi surfaced during his GOAT India Tour 2025 visit to Kolkata. The backlash followed chaotic scenes at Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday, where over 60,000 fans had gathered to catch a glimpse of Messi. Poor crowd control reportedly led to unrest, with angry spectators throwing bottles and chairs, forcing Messi to leave the venue earlier than planned.

In an emotional video posted on Instagram, Subhashree clarified her presence at the event and addressed the criticism directed at her. She explained that she was officially invited to meet Messi and arrived at the designated hotel around 8:30 am. She met the footballer between 10:00 and 10:15 am and took photographs during the interaction. According to her, Messi’s PR team later requested her to travel with them to Salt Lake Stadium due to security and logistical arrangements.

Subhashree said she personally witnessed the situation deteriorate at the stadium around 11:30 am and stressed that the organisers were entirely responsible for the mismanagement. She refuted claims that she blocked anyone’s view or enjoyed special privileges, stating she was seated inside a tent and could not even see Messi on the field.

Expressing anguish over the online abuse, Subhashree questioned whether she was being targeted because she is a woman or a Bengali film actor. She pointed out that several celebrities, including Kareena Kapoor and Shah Rukh Khan, also met Messi. “Didn’t Shah Rukh Khan take photos? What is my fault?” she asked.

The actor said she initially chose to ignore the criticism, understanding fans’ disappointment. However, the situation escalated when trolls allegedly issued death threats against her two young children. Condemning this strongly, Subhashree said such threats were unacceptable and that as a mother, she would not tolerate harm or intimidation directed at her family under any circumstances.