Chaos at Messi’s India Tour as Angry Fans Riot After Brief Stadium Appearance
Scenes of chaos erupted at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium after angry fans reacted to a brief and underwhelming appearance by football superstar during his visit to India.
Thousands of passionate supporters had paid as much as 12,000 rupees (£100 / $133) for tickets, hoping to see the Argentine icon up close. However, many were left frustrated when Messi only walked around the pitch briefly and was largely obscured by a heavy presence of officials, politicians, and celebrities.
Tensions flared when Messi was escorted away by security after around 20 minutes, prompting sections of the crowd to turn hostile. Fans ripped out stadium seats, stormed parts of the pitch, vandalised banners and tents, and hurled plastic chairs and water bottles toward the field.
West Bengal Chief Minister described the incident as “deeply disturbing and shocking,” later announcing a formal enquiry into the breakdown in crowd control and event management.
Disappointment Turns to Anger
Messi is in India for his “GOAT (Greatest of All Time) Tour,” a series of promotional appearances scheduled across Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. The tour began with the unveiling of a 70-foot (21-metre) statue of the football legend in Kolkata — a structure reportedly built over 27 days by a team of 45 workers. Due to security concerns, Messi appeared virtually during the statue’s unveiling.
Fans had flocked to Salt Lake Stadium wearing Argentina jerseys, chanting Messi’s name, and donning “I Love Messi” headbands, many having travelled long distances for the chance to see the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner in person.
Although Messi initially waved and acknowledged the crowd, his appearance was abruptly cut short. Reports suggest fans had expected him to take part in a short exhibition match — something that never happened.
“Only leaders and actors were around him. Why were we invited then?” one fan told Indian news agency ANI. “I paid 12,000 rupees and couldn’t even see his face.”
Another supporter told the Press Trust of India that people had spent the equivalent of a month’s salary on tickets. “I paid Rs 5,000 and brought my son to see Messi, not politicians. Even the police and military were taking selfies. The organisers are to blame,” he said.
Officials React, Organiser Arrested
Messi was accompanied during his brief stadium visit by , his Inter Miami teammate, as well as Argentina international . Bollywood superstar reportedly met Messi earlier in the day, according to Reuters.
Following the unrest, Banerjee issued an apology to Messi and football fans, announcing the formation of an enquiry committee to investigate the incident, assign responsibility, and propose measures to prevent similar situations in the future.
Police later confirmed that the event’s chief organiser had been arrested, though further details were not disclosed. Authorities are also exploring options to refund disappointed ticket holders.
The clarified that it had no involvement in the privately organised event.
Messi Mania Across India
Despite the chaos, Messi’s popularity in India remains immense. In the early hours of Saturday, thousands lined the streets and gathered outside his hotel in hopes of catching a glimpse of the football legend.
Among them was Hitesh, a 24-year-old corporate lawyer who travelled nearly 1,900 kilometres from Bengaluru. Standing near the statue, he told the BBC: “Messi is the player I relate to the most. No one can match his talent. He gives me hope that with talent, you can do anything.”
Beyond the stadium, fans can also visit a “Hola Messi” fan zone, featuring a life-sized replica of Messi seated on a throne, displays of his trophies, and a recreation of his Miami home complete with mannequins of the player and his family — further highlighting the scale of India’s admiration for the former and star.