Chaos at Messi's Kolkata event as fans vent fury over brief appearance

Violence broke out at the Vivekananda Yuvabharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) in Kolkata on Saturday, December 13, after football legend Lionel Messi made only a fleeting appearance during the opening leg of his GOAT India Tour 2025, leaving thousands of ticket-holding fans frustrated and angry.

The Argentine World Cup winner, who had arrived in the city the previous day to a rapturous welcome, appeared on the pitch as scheduled but was quickly surrounded by organisers, state ministers, and their entourages, obstructing views from the stands. 

Messi waved and smiled to the crowd but remained on the field for just over 20 minutes before departing abruptly.

Spectators in the galleries, many of whom had paid hefty sums for tickets, began chanting in protest as they struggled to catch a glimpse of their idol. 

When Messi left, the situation escalated rapidly: fans hurled water bottles and chairs onto the pitch, vandalised seats, and attempted to set fire to sofas in the stands. 

Police intervened with baton charges to restore order, extinguishing small fires and dispersing the crowd.

One disappointed fan, Abhirup Das, told reporters: “We came to see Messi, not any minister. He was completely surrounded by ministers’ relatives. We paid a lot of money for tickets and couldn’t see him properly. They must refund the ticket money.”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who was en route to the stadium when the chaos unfolded, expressed shock and apologised publicly. “I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium,” she posted on X. “I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for this unfortunate incident.” She announced an enquiry committee to investigate the matter.

Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar blamed supporters of the ruling Trinamool Congress for the disruption, calling it a “shameful incident”.

Kolkata Police have detained the main organiser, Satadru Dutta, in connection with the event. Authorities have also indicated that ticket refunds may be processed for affected spectators.

The incident marred what was intended to be a celebratory start to Messi’s multi-city tour, which continues later in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi.