Kolkata, India — A highly anticipated appearance by football legend Lionel Messi at the opening stop of his GOAT India Tour turned into an unexpected and chaotic scene Saturday at Salt Lake Stadium, where frustrated fans ripped up seats, hurled bottles and chairs and stormed the pitch after Messi’s brief appearance was cut short — leaving thousands disappointed and raising questions about event planning and crowd management in one of cricket-crazy India’s most passionate football hubs.
Expectations Build for a Historic Visit
Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, was greeted by throngs of supporters upon arriving in Kolkata as part of a multi-city Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) Tour intended to build excitement ahead of Argentina’s defence of its 2026 World Cup title and to connect with fans in one of South Asia’s largest countries.
Fans paid significant amounts for tickets at Salt Lake Stadium — with prices ranging up to around ₹12,000 (about US$130) — a considerable sum in a nation where average weekly incomes are often far lower. Many travelled long distances, some saving for months with the hope of seeing their idol up close.
Brief Appearance and Rising Frustration
According to police and fan accounts, Messi’s scheduled 45-minute fan event was abruptly truncated to around 20 minutes, during which he emerged, waved to the crowd and was surrounded by security and VIPs. Many fans reported that they could not see Messi clearly, either because he was surrounded by officials or obscured on big screens — prompting growing discontent as the event progressed.
As Messi left the stadium earlier than expected, the mood among sections of the crowd shifted rapidly from anticipation to anger. Spectators upset at the brief and limited interaction reportedly began ripping up stadium seats and throwing objects such as bottles and chairs toward the pitch and track. Some also stormed the turf, breaching security fences and vandalising temporary signage.
Scene Escalates: Stadium Vandalised
Photos and video footage shared widely on social media captured scenes of disarray — chairs tossed across the ground, broken seat frames littering the track, and groups of individuals encroaching onto the field. Law enforcement officers were present and worked to restore order without escalating tensions further, mindful of the risks of a larger stampede.
The chaos overshadowed Messi’s broader tour schedule, which includes fan interactions, youth football clinics and appearances in Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi. While subsequent legs of the tour reportedly proceeded more smoothly, the Kolkata incident dominated headlines and sparked intense discussion online and in Indian media.
Official Response: Apology and Probe Ordered
Reacting to the unrest, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee publicly apologised to both Messi and his fans, expressing that she was “deeply disturbed and shocked” by the mismanagement witnessed at Salt Lake Stadium and announcing a detailed inquiry into the situation. Reuters
Local authorities detained Satadru Dutta, identified as the chief organiser of the event, and said action would be taken to hold those responsible accountable, including potential refunds for disappointed ticket holders. Police have since begun identifying individuals involved in acts of vandalism and riotous behaviour captured on CCTV and social media, with several arrests made in connection with the unrest.
Fan Stories: Disappointment and Outrage
Many fans expressed not just disappointment but financial and emotional loss over the event. Reports from local outlets describe supporters who borrowed money, sacrificed expenses or travelled great distances in hopes of seeing Messi, only to leave feeling cheated by the short appearance and limited visibility. Calls for refunds and accountability have resonated across social platforms and regional news coverage.
One attendee told news agencies he had travelled more than 1,500 kilometres over two days, only to be blocked from seeing Messi clearly — a sentiment shared by many in the densely packed crowd.
Broader Questions on Event Management
The incident has ignited broader debate in India about the organisation of large-scale celebrity events, safety protocols and crowd control. Preliminary investigations have already uncovered massive security lapses, including the unauthorised issuance of thousands of additional VIP and field access passes, which may have exacerbated overcrowding and structural chaos inside the stadium.
Authorities have emphasised the need for stricter standards in future events to protect both fans and visiting international figures, even as the tourism and entertainment sectors seek to bring more global stars to India’s stages and pitches.
Messi’s Continued Tour and Fan Sentiment
Despite the trouble in Kolkata, Messi’s broader Indian tour continued with events that drew more orderly and celebratory crowds. In Hyderabad, where Messi participated in football clinics and played in front of local fans, reactions were markedly more positive, signalling that the Kolkata disruption was not reflective of sentiment across the entire country.
Nevertheless, the Salt Lake Stadium episode will likely remain a defining moment in the 2025 GOAT India Tour, underscoring how huge expectations, logistical missteps and local passion can collide with unpredictable results — especially when global sports icons enter complex and vibrant cultural landscapes.
