Kolkata witnessed a tense atmosphere as football fans thronged Salt Lake Stadium to see legendary Argentine footballer Lionel Messi during his “GOAT Tour of India” city visit. Thousands of fans had gathered eagerly to watch Messi play live. However, disappointment turned into frustration when Messi left the stadium without playing a match.
Some fans reacted angrily, damaging chairs and banners and throwing water bottles onto the field. A few even attempted to breach barricades to get closer. Authorities quickly intervened, making special arrangements to escort Messi and his team safely out of the stadium via a tunnel. Police restored order in the surrounding areas, and officials confirmed that the situation is now under control.
The incident has sparked widespread dissatisfaction among fans, many of whom blamed the confusion on inadequate prior information.
#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal: Angry fans resort to vandalism at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, alleging poor management of the event.
Star footballer Lionel Messi has left the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
A fan of star footballer Lionel Messi said, "Absolutely terrible… pic.twitter.com/TOf2KYeFt9
— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2025
The event’s organizational failures have drawn the attention of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who ordered an investigation. Police have since arrested the event organizer, identified as Shatadru Dutta, under whose initiative the Messi event tickets were sold. A senior police official stated that an FIR has been filed, and the organizer claimed that ticket refunds would be processed, which authorities are now reviewing.
Security arrangements around Messi were extensive, with personnel, politicians, and former players surrounding him, leaving fans unable to get close. Due to security concerns, Messi was escorted out of the stadium within 10 minutes of arrival, prompting fans to vent their frustration by throwing chairs and bottles. Mamata Banerjee later responded to the incident, and Messi extended apologies to the fans.