Messi’s India Tour Erupts in Chaos as Fans Storm Stadium

Messi’s India tour erupts in chaos as angry fans storm Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, leading to vandalism and a chief minister’s apology and a promise of inquiry.

The Turbulent Start

Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated India tour opened on Saturday, December 13, 2025, with a brief and unseen appearance at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. Many ticket holders reported that they could not see Messi in person or on the stadium’s big screens, despite waiting for hours. Earlier that day, Messi had remotely unveiled a 21-meter (70-foot) statue of himself in Kolkata, a highlight that many fans expected to see live. By the time the fans entered the stadium, Messi had already left the venue.

Fan Reactions and Security Response

The crowd, many wearing Messi Argentina shirts, became increasingly frustrated. They threw seats from the stands and forced their way past security fences onto the field. Attempts were made to cause additional damage before security personnel chased them away. The unrest escalated into a chaotic scene that overwhelmed the stadium’s security staff.

Official Apology and Investigation

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee posted an apology on social media, writing, “I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium,”. She also apologized to fans who had paid for tickets but expected more. Banerjee announced that a committee would be constituted to “conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.”

Messi’s Tour Itinerary and Highlights

Messi’s three‑day “GOAT India Tour” was scheduled to take him from Kolkata to Hyderabad, then to Mumbai, and finally to New Delhi on Monday. The Argentine star was accompanied by longtime teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul. The tour’s objective was to showcase Messi’s presence across multiple Indian cities, though the opening day did not live up to expectations.

Key Takeaways

• Fans reported that they could not see Messi in person or on the stadium’s big screens.
• Security was overwhelmed by fans who threw seats, forced past fences, and attempted vandalism.
• The chief minister apologized and announced a detailed enquiry into the incident.

Messi’s India tour began with promise but quickly turned into a chaotic event that highlighted significant mismanagement and crowd control challenges. The outcome of the promised enquiry will shape how future high‑profile sporting events are organized in India.