Lionel Messi’s Kolkata leg of the GOAT India Tour ended in chaos as frustrated fans rioted at Salt Lake Stadium after his brief appearance. Shah Rukh Khan and Sourav Ganguly were announced for the event, but organisational missteps and limited fan interaction sparked protests and ultimately led to the organiser’s arrest.
Kolkata’s eagerly anticipated leg of Lionel Messi’s GOAT India Tour 2025 ended in chaos on December 13, leaving thousands of fans angry and frustrated after the football legend’s appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium was cut short amid severe organisational issues.
The event, billed as a celebration of Messi’s global impact and his first tour stop in the football-loving city, attracted huge crowds with tickets reportedly ranging from Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 25,000, a lot for a state like West Bengal, where people earn significantly less than other metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore. Many supporters travelled from across West Bengal and neighbouring states, hoping for a memorable encounter with the Argentine World Cup winner.
Short Appearance and Rising Frustration
Messi arrived at the stadium accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, and was expected to spend over an hour greeting fans, acknowledging supporters, and taking part in interactive segments. Instead, the 2022 World Cup winner’s appearance lasted barely 20 minutes, with his planned lap of honour cut short as he was quickly escorted off the field due to escalating tensions.
Fans lashed out at what they described as poor crowd management, packed security zones, and a ring of VIPs that blocked much of the view. This limited visibility, even for those who had paid premium prices, fuelled resentment among the crowd.
Star Power Announced, But Not Delivered
Organisers had announced that Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan and former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly would be part of the festivities, adding to the event’s star appeal. Though Messi did meet Shah Rukh Khan during an earlier statue unveiling event in Kolkata, the celebrities were unable to feature prominently in the stadium programme as planned once the unrest began.
Fans expressed disappointment not only at Messi’s brief stint but also at missing out on the advertised appearances with other celebrities. Several supporters told media outlets they felt “cheated” after waiting for hours only to see limited interaction.
Chaos and Mismanagement Ignite Fan Outrage
Anger quickly turned to chaos. Spectators began throwing bottles and chairs, ripping out seats, invading portions of the pitch, and vandalising stadium property. Police and the Rapid Action Force were deployed to restore order as chants and protests filled the venue.
Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia criticised the handling of the event, highlighting how VIP culture and poor crowd control kept genuine fans from even seeing Messi.
Organiser Arrested, Official Apology Laid Out
In the aftermath, police detained Satadru Dutta, the main organiser of the Kolkata event, after an FIR was filed over alleged mismanagement and public safety concerns. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued a public apology and ordered a high-level probe to examine what went wrong and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Despite the chaotic start in Kolkata, Messi and his entourage left the city for the next leg of the tour in Hyderabad. In sharp contrast to Kolkata, the Hyderabad leg of Lionel Messi’s GOAT India Tour delivered almost everything that had been promised. Held under tight security and smoother crowd management, the event saw Messi spend significantly more time on stage, interacting with fans, waving to the packed stands, and completing a full lap of honour.
Organisers ensured clear sightlines, controlled VIP access, and a well-paced programme, allowing ticket-holders a genuine chance to see the football icon up close. The Hyderabad event drew praise on social media for its discipline and execution, with many fans calling it a reminder of what the Kolkata leg could have been if planning and logistics had matched the scale of anticipation.
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