Lionel Messi's highly anticipated tour of India descended into chaos on Saturday, December 13, 2025, when fans at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium reacted angrily to his brief appearance by throwing objects onto the pitch. The disturbances occurred during the first leg of his "GOAT Tour", leaving many spectators disappointed and raising concerns about security and event management.
The trouble began when Messi's arrival at the stadium was followed by a mere 20-minute appearance. According to reports, the Argentina and Inter Miami forward was immediately surrounded by a large group of people, including political leaders and event organizers, which obstructed the view for many fans who had paid hefty sums for tickets. Tickets ranged from ₹5,000 to ₹25,000. This sparked frustration among the crowd, who felt they were unable to catch a proper glimpse of the football icon.
Videos from the scene showed fans ripping up stadium seats and throwing them onto the field and the athletics track. Some individuals climbed over fences surrounding the playing field and hurled objects. Eyewitnesses reported that some spectators attempted to break through gallery barricades to access the pitch, leading to intervention from law enforcement. The Rapid Action Force (RAF) was eventually deployed to help control the unrest.
The early departure of Messi triggered loud boos throughout the stadium, with many feeling that they did not get what they paid for. Some fans vandalized banners, hoardings, and plastic chairs, while others directed their anger towards officials and politicians present at the event. A fan lamented that they couldn't even see Messi's face despite paying ₹12,000 for a ticket. Another expressed disappointment, stating that Messi simply waved a couple of times and left.
Several planned events, including a felicitation of Bengal's Santosh Trophy-winning side and a "Master Class with Messi" for kids, had to be canceled due to the chaos. Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, former India captain Sourav Ganguly, and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee were also present but could not participate in the program due to the curtailed event.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologized for the mismanagement and announced an inquiry committee to investigate the incident and prevent future occurrences. The committee will be led by Justice (Retd.) Ashim Kumar Ray, with the Chief Secretary and the Additional Chief Secretary, Home and Hill Affairs Department, as members.
The incident casts a shadow over the remainder of Messi's India tour, which includes scheduled events in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. The tour was intended to include concerts, youth football clinics, a Padel tournament, and charitable initiatives. It also marks Messi's return to India after 14 years, his last visit being in 2011 when Argentina played against Venezuela in Kolkata.
