Kolkata: Scenes of chaos unfolded at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium after frustrated fans reacted angrily to Lionel Messi’s brief appearance during his visit to India.
Thousands of supporters, some paying up to 12,000 rupees for tickets, had gathered in the hope of seeing the football icon up close. Their excitement quickly turned to disappointment when Messi only walked around the pitch and remained largely obscured by a crowd of officials and celebrities.
After spending around 20 minutes at the stadium, the Argentina and Inter Miami forward was escorted away early by security, triggering anger among sections of the crowd. Some fans ripped up seats, stormed the pitch, and hurled plastic chairs and water bottles, while banners and temporary structures were vandalised.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she was deeply disturbed and shocked by the incidents, as authorities moved to restore order at the venue.
I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium. I was on my way to the stadium to attend the event along with thousands of sports lovers and fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite footballer, Lionel Messi.
I…
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 13, 2025
Messi is in India as part of his ‘GOAT’ tour, a series of promotional appearances scheduled across Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. The tour began in Kolkata with the unveiling of a 70-foot statue of the footballer, built over 27 days by a team of 45 workers. Messi attended that event virtually, citing security concerns.
Despite the precautions, thousands of fans travelled from across the region to attend the stadium event, chanting his name, wearing jerseys, and sporting headbands declaring their admiration.
Expectations had been high, with reports suggesting Messi would take part in a short exhibition match. When that failed to materialise, tensions escalated, leading to the disorder seen at the stadium.
Messi, a 2022 World Cup winner widely regarded as one of football’s greatest players, was not harmed in the incident. Organisers have yet to comment on whether security arrangements for the remaining stops on his India tour will be revised.
