Scenes of chaos unfolded at a football stadium in India after angry spectators broke through barricades and stormed the pitch when global football icon Lionel Messi abruptly left the venue during a highly anticipated appearance in Kolkata.
Messi, who is on a three-day tour of India as part of a promotional visit dubbed the “GOAT Tour,” arrived in the eastern state of West Bengal early Saturday to a rapturous welcome. Thousands of fans gathered at the airport and along roadways, chanting his name and waving Argentine flags as the 38-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami superstar touched down.
Excitement peaked later in the day when fans flooded Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, many wearing Messi jerseys and holding banners in anticipation of seeing their hero up close. However, heavy security restrictions and tight cordons around the footballer meant that most fans struggled to get even a brief glimpse of him.
Messi walked around the pitch, waving to the crowd, but left the stadium earlier than many had expected. His premature departure triggered anger and frustration among spectators, several of whom had reportedly paid more than $100 for tickets.
As tensions escalated, some fans ripped out stadium seats, hurled water bottles onto the track, and vandalised banners and temporary tents set up for the event. Others breached security and stormed the pitch, prompting police intervention.
“For me, watching Messi is a pleasure — a dream,” said businessman Nabin Chatterjee, 37, speaking to AFP. “But I missed the chance to even see him properly because of the mismanagement in the stadium.”
Before the unrest erupted, Messi had unveiled a towering 21-metre (70-foot) statue depicting him holding the FIFA World Cup trophy — a symbolic moment celebrating his triumph with Argentina in 2022. He was also expected to participate in a brief exhibition match at the stadium, which ultimately did not take place.
Another disappointed fan, Ajay Shah, told the Press Trust of India (PTI) that many supporters had spent “a month’s salary” to attend the event. “I paid Rs 5,000 ($55) for the ticket and came with my son to watch Messi, not politicians,” he said. “The police and military personnel were taking selfies, and the management is to blame.”
Authorities later confirmed that the chief organiser of the event had been arrested. Senior police official Javed Shamim told reporters that the situation had returned to normal but acknowledged serious lapses in planning.
“There is total normalcy now,” Shamim said, adding that officials would examine how organisers could refund ticket money to fans who felt cheated.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her dismay over the incident, calling the situation deeply embarrassing. “I am disturbed and shocked at the mismanagement,” she wrote in a post on X. “I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident.” She also announced that a formal probe had been ordered.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) distanced itself from the controversy, clarifying that it had no role in the event. “The AIFF was not involved in the organisation, planning, or execution of this private event,” the federation said in a statement, adding that no clearance had been sought from it.
Despite the chaotic scenes in Kolkata, Messi’s tour of India is set to continue, with scheduled stops in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. His visit may also include a possible meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The incident came just days after Messi won his second consecutive Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player award, having led Inter Miami to the MLS title and finished the season as the league’s top scorer. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star is also expected to lead Argentina in their defence of the FIFA World Cup in June and July in North America.
