Football superstar Lionel Messi arrived in Kolkata at 2:26 am on Saturday. He started his India Tour 2025 by virtually unveiling a 70-feet-tall statue in the city.

Messi reached Salt Lake Stadium around 11:30 am. Political leaders, former footballers, and event organisers immediately surrounded him. This made it impossible for fans to see their idol clearly.

Thousands of fans had waited for hours. They grew frustrated and panicked. Some even threw bottles and chairs inside the stadium.

The chaos forced organisers to call in the Rapid Action Force (RAF). They also announced that all tickets would be refunded. Videos of the disorder quickly spread on social media. Police later filed an FIR. The chief organiser was arrested.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee could not attend the event. She apologised publicly for the mismanagement. On X, she wrote, “I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident. I am deeply disturbed and shocked by what happened at Salt Lake Stadium.”

This was the first event of Messi’s three-day, four-city ‘GOAT India Tour 2025’. Fans across India are eagerly awaiting the next stops.

The 38-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami forward, part of his so-called GOAT Tour, arrived in West Bengal early Saturday and was greeted by throngs of fans chanting his name. Thousands of Messi supporters, many wearing jerseys and waving Argentine flags, packed the stadium hours later, eager to catch a glimpse of the global icon.

Despite heavy security, Messi walked around the pitch waving to fans but left earlier than expected, frustrating attendees who had paid upwards of $100 for tickets. Spectators responded by ripping out stadium seats, throwing water bottles, storming the pitch, and vandalizing banners and tents.

For me, to watch Messi is a pleasure, a dream. But I have missed the chance to have a glimpse because of the mismanagement in the stadium,” said businessman Nabin Chatterjee, 37. Another fan, Ajay Shah, lamented spending a month’s salary to attend, criticizing both the organisers and security personnel for mismanagement.

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