An event featuring global football icon Lionel Messi in Kolkata, India, spiralled into chaos and disappointment. Frustrated spectators breached security and stormed the pitch. The incident occurred on Saturday at the city’s Salt Lake Stadium. It was during the Argentine superstar’s three-day promotional visit to the country, part of his broader “GOAT Tour.”
Messi, who arrived earlier in the day to massive fanfare in West Bengal, made a brief appearance on the stadium pitch, waving to the thousands of assembled supporters. His early departure from the venue, however, triggered a wave of anger among attendees. Fans, many of whom had paid significant sums for tickets, expressed fury over poor event management and limited visibility of the star.
Following Messi’s exit, the situation deteriorated rapidly. Sections of the crowd began tearing out stadium seats and hurling water bottles. A significant number then breached security barricades and stormed the football pitch, vandalising banners, tents, and other event infrastructure.
🇮🇳🇦🇷 INDIA WAS EXCITED TO SEE MESSI!
But he just showed up for 20 minutes and left gain … so the fans freaked out and started vandalizing and protesting
Lionel Messi’s visit to Kolkata descended into chaos as fans got angry due to only a 22-minute appearance at the Salt Lake… pic.twitter.com/S8cNvgVvox
— Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) December 13, 2025Attendees cited severe mismanagement as the core issue. “For me, to watch Messi is a pleasure, a dream. But I have missed the chance to have a glimpse because of the mismanagement in the stadium,” 37-year-old businessman Nabin Chatterjee told AFP. Another fan, Ajay Shah, told the Press Trust of India that people had spent “a month’s salary,” criticising police and organisers for the disorder.
In response to the unrest, senior police official Javed Shamim confirmed that the event’s “chief organiser” had been arrested. Authorities stated they would examine mechanisms for ticket refunds.
GLOBAL EMBARRASSMENT FOR INDIA. 🤯
– Lionel Messi left the stadium due to security concerns.
– Fans started throwing bottles onto the ground in Kolkata.
Probably the worst day of Lionel Messi’s career. 💔🤯
pic.twitter.com/bsPEbix8UJ
— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) December 13, 2025West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued a public apology on X, stating she was “disturbed” and “shocked” by the mismanagement. “I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident,” she wrote. She added that she had ordered a formal probe.
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, 2025The All India Football Federation (AIFF) released a statement distancing itself from the event. They clarified that they were “not involved in the organisation, planning, or execution” of the private function. No details or clearances were sought from the national federation.
Before the disruption, Messi had unveiled a 21-meter statue depicting him holding the World Cup trophy. A short exhibition match had also been anticipated, but did not materialise as expected.
