What was meant to be a historic and celebratory return for football legend Lionel Messi to Kolkata turned into a scene of pandemonium and disappointment on Friday. The Argentine superstar’s visit to the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, popularly known as the Salt Lake Stadium, was marred by severe mismanagement, leading to crowd unrest and vandalism.
Thousands of fans had gathered hours in advance, hoping to catch a glimpse of the World Cup winner as part of his ‘GOAT India Tour’. However, the excitement quickly turned to anger as logistical failures became apparent.
Chaos erupts at Salt Lake Stadium
According to ground reports, the event suffered from major lapses in entry management, seating arrangements, and visibility. As the program commenced, it became clear to many attendees that they would not be able to see the football icon clearly. The realization triggered immediate outrage among the crowd.
The situation escalated when frustrated fans began tearing down posters and hoardings inside the venue. Bottles were thrown onto the ground, and protests erupted within the stadium premises. Videos circulating on social media showed scenes of vandalism, pushing, and general disorder as security personnel struggled to maintain control.
Messi evacuated amid security concerns
Witnessing the rapidly deteriorating situation, security agencies were forced to deploy additional forces. Amid the commotion, Messi, along with other VVIP guests, was escorted out of the venue under heavy security cover. Reports indicate that the Inter Miami star was present inside the stadium for less than 10 minutes before being whisked away for his safety.
The brief appearance left thousands of fans heartbroken, particularly those who had waited for hours in the heat. Many expressed their dismay at being denied a proper view of the player they consider the ‘King of Football’.
The ‘GOAT India Tour’ schedule
Messi arrived in Kolkata late at night around 2:30 AM and reached the stadium around 11:00 AM, where he received a hero’s welcome before the chaos ensued. This visit marks his return to India after 2011. He is accompanied by his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul.
Prior to the stadium incident, Messi met with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, with images of the interaction—and Khan’s son AbRam’s reaction—going viral online.
Despite the rocky start in West Bengal, the tour is scheduled to continue across other Indian cities. On the evening of December 13, Messi is expected to participate in an exhibition match and a football clinic at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad.
The itinerary includes an event and a fashion show at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on December 14. The tour will conclude in Delhi on December 15, where the football legend is slated to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Organisers charging a bomb for a brief glimpse of #LionelMessi, followed by fans throwing bottles, invading the pitch, and damaging the venue, will be witnessed by millions across the globe and send the wrong message about India. Nothing has changed since 1996 WC Sf in #Kolkata. https://t.co/vrvYLKHT9n
— Tejan Shrivastava (@BeingTeJan) December 13, 2025
