Kolkata, India – Frustration and anger boiled over at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday, December 13, 2025, during an event featuring Argentine football icon Lionel Messi, resulting in a chaotic scene where bottles were thrown and property was damaged. Kolkata Police have since arrested Satadru Dutta, the event organizer, and a court has remanded him to 14 days of police custody.
The series of events unfolded after Messi made a brief appearance at the stadium as part of his GOAT India Tour 2025. Thousands of fans had gathered, some paying upwards of ₹10,000 for tickets, hoping to catch a glimpse of the football superstar. However, Messi's time on the field was significantly shorter than anticipated, lasting approximately 22 minutes.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that as Messi entered the stadium, he was quickly surrounded by a throng of organizers, officials, and VIPs, creating a barrier that obstructed the view for many ticket holders. This sparked immediate discontent among the crowd, who felt cheated out of the experience they had paid for. Chants of "We want Messi" erupted from the stands as fans grew increasingly restless.
Tensions escalated when it became clear that Messi would not be staying long, and he was soon escorted off the field. This triggered a wave of anger, with spectators throwing bottles and other objects, vandalizing sponsor banners, and damaging VIP sofas and barricades. Some fans even attempted to rush onto the field. Police intervened to bring the situation under control.
The incident has led to a blame game, with many pointing fingers at the event organizers and the government for inadequate planning and mismanagement. Some fans alleged that the event was more of a "private PR event" than a genuine opportunity for them to see Messi. Questions have also been raised about how bottles and other prohibited items were allowed into the stadium.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her shock and disappointment, ordering a probe into the incident. She also apologized to Messi for the mismanagement. The state government has formed a committee to investigate all aspects of the event, including potential mismanagement by the organizers.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has distanced itself from the event, stating that it was a private event organized by a PR agency and that the AIFF had no involvement in its planning or execution.
Meanwhile, police have assured that efforts are underway to ensure that ticket refunds are provided to the disgruntled fans. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have pledged to hold those responsible for the mismanagement accountable. West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose visited the stadium and announced he would submit a report to the central government. The Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, has called for the suspension and arrest of the State's Sports Minister and Fire Minister, alleging a cover-up in the FIR.
