Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated India tour began in chaos on Saturday as frustrated supporters vandalised Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata after the Argentine football star abruptly exited the venue.
Gatekeepers News reports that the “GOAT India Tour 2025,” a three-day fan engagement tour across major Indian cities including Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, opened with Messi’s arrival in West Bengal, where a 21-metre statue of him holding the World Cup was unveiled.
Messi’s scheduled 45-minute visit at Salt Lake Stadium was cut short to about 20 minutes amid safety concerns and organisational issues, leaving many ticket holders unable to see him properly either on the pitch or on screens.
As a result, thousands of fans who had paid high prices for tickets reacted angrily, ripping out seats, throwing water bottles and other objects, and breaking through barricades to storm the field.
Police used mild force to restore order and several fans attempted to damage stadium tents and banners before security intervened.
Local authorities have detained Satadru Dutta, the chief organiser of the event, as investigations begin into the incident. Officials have also pledged that ticket refunds will be considered for disappointed spectators.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described the episode as the result of poor management, saying she was “disturbed and shocked” and publicly apologising to Messi and fans.
She has ordered a detailed inquiry to assign responsibility and prevent similar problems in future events.
