Kolkata, Agency: What was meant to be a historic and unforgettable moment for sports lovers across India and millions of fans of world-renowned footballer Lionel Messi in Kolkata turned into chaos due to gross mismanagement.
Angry fans, who had purchased tickets costing up to ₹5,000, resorted to vandalism inside the stadium after failing to even catch a glimpse of Messi.
Amid intense unrest, Messi was rushed out of the stadium under tight security within just ten minutes of his arrival.
The West Bengal government has ordered an inquiry into the incident. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has issued a public apology, while the event’s main organiser, Sutadradu Dutta, has been taken into police custody.
The Argentina national football team captain and FIFA World Cup winner, Lionel Messi
, is on a three-day India tour under the banner ‘GOAT India Tour 2025’.
Star striker Luis Suárez and midfielder Rodrigo De Paul are accompanying him. Messi’s India visit began in Kolkata on Saturday.
He arrived late Friday night and, following a welcome ceremony on Saturday morning, reached the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) at around 11:30 am.
At the stadium, Messi was scheduled to participate in a friendly match and interact with local footballers.
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly were also expected to attend the event.
As soon as Messi arrived, the packed stadium erupted with chants of “Messi, Messi,” with fans desperate to see their idol.
Supporters had hoped Messi would take a full lap around the stadium to greet them.
However, the moment he stepped out of his vehicle, he was immediately surrounded by VIPs, event organisers, and other dignitaries, blocking the view of the fans.
When Messi walked a short distance onto the field, the crowd briefly felt hopeful.
But security personnel prevented him from completing a full round of the stadium and began escorting him back.
Enraged fans then started tearing down hoardings and banners and hurling plastic bottles onto the field.
Security officials quickly formed a protective ring around Messi and escorted him out of the stadium.
This further inflamed the crowd. Fans uprooted chairs and hurled them inside the stadium.
Breaking through barricades, they stormed the premises, dismantled tents, and damaged microphones, speakers, and other equipment.
Security personnel attempted to disperse the crowd using batons, but the massive turnout overwhelmed them.
Due to the chaos, the entire day’s scheduled programme collapsed within just 20 minutes.
Over 50,000 spectators present:
Sources said more than 50,000 spectators were present at the stadium. Players from Mohun Bagan and Diamond Harbour Football Club had also arrived to welcome Messi.
All of them wore the iconic No. 10 jersey, Messi’s famous number.
Ticket money to be refunded:
Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar stated that the incident occurred due to mismanagement by the organisers. He added that the organiser has given a written assurance that all ticket money will be refunded.
Shah Rukh Khan meets Messi:
Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan arrived in Kolkata on Saturday and met Lionel Messi. His younger son, Abram Khan, accompanied him during the meeting.
At the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday, furious fans who could not see Argentine footballer Lionel Messi indulged in widespread vandalism and protests.
Anger directed at the Sports Minister and the organiser
Spent a month’s salary on tickets:
Fan Ajay Shah, who had come with his son to watch Messi, said he paid ₹5,000 for a single ticket. Some people purchased tickets for ₹10,000 to ₹20,000.
Many fans spent their entire month’s salary to bring their families, hoping to see one of the greatest footballers in history.
Not even getting a glimpse of their favourite player left them deeply disappointed.
Several other fans shared similar experiences of spending thousands to see Messi.
Meeting with PM Modi on Monday:
Messi’s India tour spans three days. After starting in Kolkata, it will conclude in the national capital, New Delhi.
On the final day of his visit, Messi will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Governor and Chief Minister turned back after the unrest:
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Governor C.V. Ananda Bose were scheduled to attend the event.
According to information, the unrest began just as they were about to reach the stadium, forcing them to turn back.
December 14 (Sunday):
Messi will be welcomed at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, attend the Paddle Cup, take part in a celebrity match with Bollywood stars, participate in a charity fashion show, and attend an auction of memorabilia from Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory.
Global football icon returns to India after 14 years:
Lionel Messi arrived in India after 14 years. His last visit was in 2011, when Argentina played Venezuela at the same Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
Shah Rukh meets Messi with son Abram:
Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan met Lionel Messi on Saturday morning in Kolkata, accompanied by his younger son Abram Khan.
“I am shocked and deeply disappointed by the mismanagement of this event. I personally apologise to Lionel Messi and his fans for this unfortunate incident. A high-level committee has been constituted to investigate the matter.”
— Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister, West Bengal
December 15 (Monday):
Messi will arrive in Delhi, meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and then participate in a friendly match at Arun Jaitley Stadium. He will also interact with football players and meet members of the Indian cricket team.
Angry fans directed their outrage at Sports Minister Aroop Biswas and chief organiser Sutadradu Dutta.
Loud slogans were raised against the sports minister inside the stadium, and fans demanded the arrest of both, holding them responsible for the mismanagement.
Protesters said they had come to see Messi, not politicians.
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