Sat Dec 13 10:43:39 UTC 2025: Summary:

Lionel Messi’s appearance in Kolkata as part of the “G.O.A.T. Tour” descended into chaos as fans, who paid high prices for tickets, were unable to get a good view of the star. Disappointed fans threw chairs and bottles, leading to Messi being rushed away after just 20 minutes. The event was cut short, preventing planned appearances by Shah Rukh Khan, Sourav Ganguly, and Mamata Banerjee. Chief Minister Banerjee apologized and ordered an inquiry, while the event’s main organizer, Satadru Dutta, was arrested.

News Article:

Messi Appearance in Kolkata Turns Chaotic; Organizer Arrested

Kolkata, India – Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated visit to Kolkata on Saturday turned into a fiasco as thousands of fans rioted after failing to catch a proper glimpse of the football superstar. The “G.O.A.T. Tour” event at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan stadium was marred by chaos, with angry fans throwing chairs and bottles in frustration.

Attendees, who paid between Rs 5,000 and Rs 25,000 for tickets, complained that security personnel and other guests obstructed their view. Messi was rushed away after only 20 minutes at the venue, foregoing a planned lap of the stadium.

The abrupt curtailment of the event also prevented appearances by Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Banerjee has since apologized for the mismanagement and ordered an inquiry into the incident.

Police used mild force to disperse the rioting crowd, who vandalized parts of the stadium. Satadru Dutta, the main organizer of the event, has been arrested following the filing of a First Information Report (FIR). Authorities are reportedly considering how to reimburse disappointed fans for their tickets.

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