Bengali actor Shubhashree Ganguly is being brutally trolled on social media for hogging the limelight and taking pictures with Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi at Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday, as fans -- including some who spent lakhs and travelled from different parts of the state -- did not even catch a glimpse of him. Several online commentators severely criticised the actor, who is married to filmmaker and TMC politician Raj Chakraborty, for being tone deaf and sharing the pictures online despite the uproar.
In a viral video, a furious fan said, "I bought a Rs 12,000 ticket and saw Shubhashree instead of Messi."
Moreover, Ganguly triggered further backlash when she shared her pictures with Messi on social media with the caption: "Represented the Bengal Film Fraternity at The Goat India Tour." Online commentators were quick to point out that the actor had no connection to sports, let alone football, so flaunting her pictures with Messi showed how celebrities and people with influence gained access to the football star when real fans lost out.
It also prompted the actor to disable the comments on her Instagram post.
On Threads, a user commented on her post: "People like you don't even know what he has achieved. Just for the sake of fame and picture, you guys meet him while real fans are out there waiting to have a mere glimpse." Another user added, "What have you done for football, miss? Do you even watch football?" "Disgrace to football," commented a third. "A film actress standing with Messi… No wonder Indian football is going low day by day."
Messi's successful Hyderabad visit thrills fans
After the debacle in Kolkata, Messi appeared quite comfortable on the field at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad on Saturday. He was seen passing the ball around with teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, as Telangana chief minister Revath Reddy joined in.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner thrilled fans with a few touches before sending lucky spectators home with a memento by kicking a ball into the stands, where excited followers scrambled to catch it. Messi was honoured by Reddy and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi following the exhibition game in Uppal.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.
Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.
