Sat Dec 13 15:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Messi India Tour Turns Sour: Kolkata Fans Riot After Star’s Brief Appearance
Kolkata, India – Hopes of seeing Lionel Messi in action turned to anger and chaos at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday as frustrated fans ripped up seats and threw objects after the Argentinian football icon’s unexpectedly short appearance. Thousands of supporters, some paying as much as 12,000 rupees (£100; $133), felt cheated when Messi, in India for his “GOAT Tour,” only walked around the pitch briefly, largely obscured by officials and celebrities.
The situation escalated when Messi was whisked away by security after approximately 20 minutes, prompting some attendees to storm the pitch, vandalize banners, and hurl chairs and water bottles. Fans expressed outrage, citing the exorbitant ticket prices they paid, only to barely see the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“We have got a ticket for 12,000 rupees, but we were not even able to see his face,” one disappointed fan told Indian news agency ANI. Another told the Press Trust of India that people had paid a month’s salary for the experience.
The “GOAT Tour” was intended to be a series of promotional events in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi, commencing with the unveiling of a 70ft statue of Messi in Kolkata. Due to security concerns, Messi appeared virtually for that unveiling. While thousands lined roads and gathered outside his hotel in the early hours for a glimpse of the star, the stadium appearance proved a major disappointment.
West Bengal’s Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, expressed her shock and dismay at the events, announcing an enquiry into the incident and apologizing to Messi and sports fans. “The [enquiry] committee will conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future,” she stated on X.
A police official confirmed that the event’s chief organizer had been arrested, with authorities also exploring refund options for ticket holders. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) clarified that it was not involved in the privately organized event.
While Kolkata, known for its fervent football fanbase in a cricket-dominated nation, had welcomed Messi with elaborate fan zones and tributes, Saturday’s events have cast a shadow over the tour and raised questions about event management and fan expectations.
Lionel Messi’s representatives have been contacted for comment. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the intense passion and expectations surrounding the global football superstar.
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