Chaos Erupts at Messi's Indian Tour Event as Fans Throw Objects

Sun Dec 14 2025 01:18:22 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

After a disappointing appearance at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium, angry fans express their frustration by throwing chairs and bottles at the event surrounding Lionel Messi.

Lionel Messi's promotional tour in India faced chaos when disappointed fans at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium protested by throwing objects after his brief appearance was overshadowed by officials. The incident triggered a strong response from local authorities, including a public apology from West Bengal's chief minister, expressing shock and announcing an inquiry into the chaotic scene, which left many fans feeling cheated after spending significant sums on tickets.

Angry fans attending Lionel Messi's tour of India ripped up seats and threw items towards the pitch after his appearance at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium.

Thousands of supporters had paid up to 12,000 rupees (£100; $133) to catch a glimpse of the football star but were left disappointed when he emerged to walk around the pitch, obscured by a large group of officials and celebrities.

When the Argentina and Inter Miami forward was whisked away early by security after around 20 minutes, elements of the crowd turned hostile.

West Bengal's chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, said she was deeply disturbed and shocked by the events.

Messi is in India for his 'GOAT tour', featuring promotional events in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. His tour kicked off with the unveiling of a 70ft statue of himself in Kolkata, which was assembled over 27 days by a dedicated crew, but it was unveiled virtually due to security reasons, leading many fans to pursue the stadium event for a chance to see him.

After initially walking around the stadium waving to fans, the frustrations boiled over when his appearance ended abruptly, igniting a hostile response as frustrated fans stormed onto the pitch, vandalizing banners and tents and hurling plastic chairs and water bottles.

The 2022 World Cup winner, celebrated as one of football's greatest, had been expected to play a short exhibition game at the stadium.

Only leaders and actors were surrounding Messi ... Why did they call us then? We paid 12,000 rupees, but we could hardly see his face, said one discontented fan. Another expressed outrage over the presence of policemen taking selfies while paying fans were left feeling dejected.

Kolkata, a city known for its passionate football following amid a cricket-dominated culture, witnessed scenes of unrest when it was apparent Messi would not be providing the anticipated experience for the fans after they paid significant sums for their tickets.

Banerjee announced an inquiry to address the chaos, offering apologies to Messi and sports enthusiasts while vowing to take corrective measures to avoid such incidents in the future. Thousands had gathered outside Messi's hotel on the morning of the event, illustrating the fervor surrounding the player in India.

The atmosphere turned hostile as disappointed fans voiced their discontent, leaving one fan to express determination to see Messi as the beacon of hope to aspiring players everywhere.

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