Kolkata, India - Lionel Messi's highly anticipated "GOAT India Tour 2025" descended into chaos on Saturday as thousands of irate fans invaded the pitch and hurled bottles at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium, expressing their fury over a fleeting glimpse of the football icon. The incident occurred during the Kolkata leg of Messi's three-day, four-city tour, which was intended to be a landmark moment for Indian football.
The Argentine superstar's arrival at Netaji Subash Chandra International Airport in the early hours of Saturday triggered scenes of near hysteria, with fans sprinting between airport gates, chanting his name, and waving Argentina flags. Escorted by heavy security alongside teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, Messi was swiftly transported to the Hyatt Regency hotel, which became the epicenter of "Messi mania".
However, the excitement soon turned to disappointment at the Salt Lake Stadium. Thousands of ticket-holders, some of whom paid upwards of Rs 12,000 (approximately $144 USD), packed the venue expecting a lap of honor, exhibition moments, and a celebratory tribute show. Instead, Messi's appearance was reduced to a brief walk-on and wave before being escorted off the field in under 10 minutes, surrounded by politicians, officials, celebrities, and photographers. Security concerns were cited as the reason for abandoning the planned lap.
The abrupt departure ignited a firestorm of anger among the spectators. Fans began shouting in protest, and the situation quickly escalated as bottles were thrown, hoardings were torn down, and sections of the crowd surged towards the pitch. Social media was flooded with images of damaged signage, flying debris, and angry supporters. Some fans vandalized banners and seats, while others booed officials and politicians. Some spectators even tried to break open gallery barricades to force their way onto the pitch. Police had to resort to lathi charge as fans protested outside the Hyatt Regency Hotel where Messi was staying.
Eyewitnesses reported that fans were unable to catch a clear glimpse of Messi, either in person or on the stadium's giant screens, despite waiting for hours. The dense security cordon and the presence of numerous VIPs further obstructed the view, leaving spectators feeling misled and cheated. Many fans voiced their frustration, with one stating, "We paid 12,000 rupees and couldn't even see his face. No kick, no penalty, nothing".
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued a formal apology to Messi and ordered a probe into the incident. "I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium," Banerjee wrote on social media. She also apologized to fans who had expected more after paying for tickets and announced the formation of a committee to investigate the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent future occurrences.
Following the chaotic scenes in Kolkata, concerns have been raised about security arrangements for the remainder of Messi's India tour. The tour includes scheduled events in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, including meetings with Bollywood stars, business leaders, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The organizer of the Kolkata event has been detained, and refunds have been promised to concerned ticket holders.
