Lionel Messi’s India tour, part of his “GOAT Tour” in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup defense, kicked off in turmoil as angry fans caused chaos at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. The event, which was designed to celebrate the Argentina football icon’s visit, ended in disappointment for many attendees, with objects thrown onto the field and several fans invading the pitch.
On December 13, 2025, Lionel Messi arrived in Kolkata as part of his three-day tour of India, which includes visits to cities such as Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. However, the tour’s debut in Kolkata didn’t go as planned. Scheduled to spend 45 minutes at the event, Messi left the stadium after just 20 minutes, leaving many fans dissatisfied. Despite tickets for the event being priced at over 3,500 rupees (about $38.65), some fans reported paying much higher amounts, with one fan claiming to have spent $130.
This abrupt exit caused frustration among the spectators, many of whom had traveled long distances to see the World Cup winner. According to reports, the crowd’s anger escalated, leading them to rip up seats, throw bottles, and invade the pitch. Video footage from the scene showed several individuals climbing over the stadium fence, throwing debris onto the playing field and the surrounding athletics track.
Key Information About Messi’s India Tour
- Tour Duration: 3 days (13th December – 15th December 2025)
- Cities Visited: Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi
- Main Attractions: Football clinics, concerts, padel tournament, charitable initiatives
- Scheduled Visits: Messi was expected for 45-minute appearances at various events
- Disruptions: Fans threw objects, ripped seats, and invaded the pitch at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata
- Organizer Detained: Satadru Dutta, the chief organizer, was detained by police for mismanagement
- Refunds Announced: The organizer pledged to refund ticket holders for the disrupted event
Fans were left in shock after Messi’s brief appearance. One fan, Eddie Lal Hmangaihzuala, who had traveled nearly 1,500 km from Mizoram to attend the event, expressed his disappointment, saying, “I can’t believe there was so much mismanagement. Messi left quickly, I think he felt unsafe. I hardly got a glimpse of him.” Such reactions were common among the audience who had hoped for a longer and more engaging interaction with the football star.
Following the chaos, Satadru Dutta, the event’s chief organizer, was detained by West Bengal police. Rajeev Kumar, the director general of West Bengal police, confirmed the detention and assured the public that action would be taken to address the mismanagement. “We’re taking action so that this mismanagement does not go unpunished,” he said. The police also announced that Dutta had pledged in writing that ticket holders would be refunded for the event.
The state government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, expressed deep concern over the incident. Banerjee apologized to Messi and the fans for the chaos, calling the event’s mismanagement “disturbing and shocking.” She further ordered the formation of an enquiry committee to investigate the matter, assign responsibility, and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. In her apology on social media, Banerjee wrote, “I sincerely apologize to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident.”
Messi’s GOAT Tour Plans and Its Challenges
Messi’s India tour is part of a larger promotional effort ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he will defend his title with Argentina. The tour includes several activities such as concerts, football clinics, padel tournaments, and charity events in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. Messi was also scheduled to unveil a 70-foot statue of himself in Kolkata on the same day.
While Messi’s appearance was brief, the event organizers had promised fans much more, leading to high expectations. This was particularly evident in the fans’ reactions to the mismanagement and their subsequent outburst. The disruption at Salt Lake Stadium has raised questions about the planning and execution of such large-scale events, especially given the immense fanbase that Messi commands in India.
The chaos at Messi’s event in Kolkata is a stark contrast to the warm reception Messi has generally received in India. Football remains immensely popular in the states of West Bengal, Kerala, and Goa, and Messi’s previous visit to Kolkata in 2011 for a friendly match against Venezuela was marked by a warm and enthusiastic crowd. The recent statue unveiling was another momentous occasion, with Messi virtually unveiling a massive 70-foot statue of himself, further solidifying his place as one of the most adored football stars in India.
However, this incident highlights the challenges of organizing such high-profile events in a country where football has struggled to make its mark despite its passionate following. The turmoil in Kolkata also reflects broader issues in the country’s football landscape, such as the ongoing disputes surrounding the Indian Super League (ISL), which has faced financial and administrative difficulties in recent years.
Despite the chaotic start, Messi’s India tour is set to continue with events planned in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. The hope remains that future stops will be better organized, providing fans with the experience they expect when interacting with one of football’s greatest players. However, the events in Kolkata serve as a stark reminder of the challenges that come with organizing large-scale sports events in a nation where football’s infrastructure is still developing.
FAQs:
Q1: Why did Messi leave the Kolkata event early?
Messi’s scheduled 45-minute appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium was cut short after just 20 minutes due to safety concerns and fan unrest.
Q2: What was the reaction of the fans at Messi’s India tour event?
Fans expressed their frustration by throwing ripped-up seats, bottles, and invading the pitch after Messi left earlier than expected. Many fans felt disappointed as they had traveled long distances for a brief glimpse of the football legend.
Q3: What actions are being taken against the organizers?
Satadru Dutta, the event organizer, was detained by police for mismanagement. Authorities have also promised to refund ticket holders for the event.
Q4: What is the next stop on Messi’s India tour?
After Kolkata, Messi will continue his tour in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, with several activities planned including football clinics and charitable events.
Q5: How did the government of West Bengal respond to the chaos?
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued an apology for the mismanagement and ordered an enquiry to prevent such incidents in the future.
