Chaos Erupts as Messi's Event Turns Troubling in Kolkata

Tue Dec 16 2025 04:32:33 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A promotional event featuring global football star Lionel Messi in Kolkata spirals into chaos as angry fans lash out after being disappointed by his brief appearance.

Lionel Messi's promotional event in Kolkata was marred by disappointment and anger among fans, who paid significant amounts for a chance to see him. After his early departure, frustrated attendees reacted by vandalizing the venue and clashing with security. The West Bengal government has announced an inquiry into the incident, while reactions from the football star's representatives emphasize the fulfillment of commitments made.

Angry fans attending Lionel Messi's tour of India ripped up seats and threw items towards the pitch after his appearance at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium.

Thousands of adoring supporters had paid up to 12,000 rupees (£100; $133) to catch a glimpse of the football star, but were left disappointed when he emerged to walk around the pitch and was obscured by a large group of officials and celebrities.

When the Argentina and Inter Miami forward was whisked away early by security after around 20 minutes, elements of the crowd turned hostile.

West Bengal's chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, said she was 'deeply disturbed and shocked' by the events.

Announcing an enquiry, Banerjee apologized to Messi and 'sports lovers' for the incident at the stadium. 'The [enquiry] committee will conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future,' the chief minister said on X.

A spokesperson for Messi said that he fulfilled the time commitment that had been agreed in advance. In terms of the organisation of the event itself, he referred the BBC to the apology issued by Banerjee on social media.

A police official informed reporters that the event's 'chief organiser' had been arrested, without providing further details, as authorities planned how to refund ticket buyers.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) stated it was not involved in the 'private event.'

Messi is in India for his 'GOAT [greatest of all time] tour', a series of promotional events in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi. This tour began with the unveiling of a 70ft (21m) statue of himself in Kolkata, which had been assembled over the course of 27 days by a 45-strong crew. Due to security concerns, Messi appeared virtually.

Thousands of fans travelled to the city's stadium for a chance to see the footballer in person, chanting and wearing 'I love Messi' headbands.

Initially, Messi walked out at the stadium waving to fans, but after an abrupt end to his appearance, some frustrated fans stormed the pitch, vandalising banners and tents, while others hurled plastic chairs and water bottles.

The 2022 World Cup winner is considered one of football's greatest-ever players, having been expected to play a short exhibition game at the stadium.

'Only leaders and actors were surrounding Messi... Why did they call us then? We bought tickets for 12,000 rupees, but we weren't even able to see his face,' one fan told Indian news agency ANI. Another fan added that they had paid the equivalent of a month's salary to see the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Messi was accompanied by his Inter Miami teammate and Uruguay star Luis Suarez, and Argentina's Rodrigo de Paul. Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan also met Messi earlier in the day.

Despite the chaos, Messi's presence in Kolkata highlights the city's passionate football culture. Kolkata is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal, home to a dedicated football fanbase in a cricket-centric country.