Explained: The Full Story Of What Really Happened At Lionel Messi’s Kolkata Event (Image: X/ Sundarsportsnep)
Kolkata witnessed a mix of celebration, chaos, and disappointment on Saturday as football legend Lionel Messi began his much-hyped GOAT Tour India 2025 in the city.
What was expected to be a dream moment for thousands of fans at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium ended abruptly, turning into a major embarrassment.
Messi arrived in Kolkata early Saturday morning to a rousing welcome at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, where fans lined up along roads waving flags and chanting his name. The excitement reflected Kolkata’s deep football culture, often called the Mecca of Indian football.
The main event was a grand felicitation ceremony at Salt Lake Stadium, where thousands of fans, some reportedly paying up to ₹25,000 for tickets, gathered just to see the World Cup-winning captain in person.
Read Also: Lionel Messi’s India Tour Begins Tomorrow: Rs 10 Lakh For A Photo With The Football Legend
However, according to eyewitnesses, the moment Messi entered the stadium, he was quickly surrounded by politicians, VIPs, VVIP guests, and their families, including leaders from the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Fans allege that most of Messi’s brief time on the ground was spent interacting with VIPs, leaving the paying public disappointed. Within just 10 minutes, Messi was escorted out of the stadium without completing his lap of honour or interacting meaningfully with fans.
This triggered anger among the crowd. Chants of “We want Messi” echoed through the stands as frustrated fans tried to jump barricades, tore banners, stormed parts of the pitch, and threw water bottles and chairs. Several sections of the stadium were vandalised amid the chaos.
Many fans called the event a “VIP show”, accusing organisers of mismanagement and sidelining genuine supporters.
Also, read| Lionel Messi In India: Kolkata Stadium Erupts Into Chaos As Messi Leaves, Bottles Thrown
Police later detained Shatadru Dutta, a private sports promoter linked to the event, while criticism mounted against the state administration. Several voices on social media demanded accountability from the West Bengal government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Earlier in the day, Messi had virtually unveiled a 70-foot iron statue of himself holding the FIFA World Cup trophy at Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town. The statue, built in 40 days, was approved by Messi and appreciated by his team.
Despite the Kolkata chaos, Messi’s India tour continues, with scheduled stops in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. In Kolkata, he also briefly met Shah Rukh Khan, a moment that went viral online.
