Published December 14, 2025
Angry spectators broke down barricades and stormed a stadium in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata after soccer player Lionel Messi left the stadium earlier than expected during a three-day domestic tour.
As part of the so-called GOAT (Greatest of All Time) tour, the 38-year-old Argentina international and Inter Miami superstar touched down in West Bengal’s capital Kolkata early Saturday morning to a chorus of fans chanting his name.
Hours later, thousands of fans wearing Messi jerseys and waving Argentine flags packed into Salt Lake Stadium in the regional capital, but supporters struggled to get a glimpse of Messi due to heavy security surrounding the footballer.
Messi walked around the pitch waving to fans and left the stadium earlier than planned.
Frustrated spectators, many of whom had paid more than $100 for tickets, tore up stadium seats and threw water bottles at trucks.
Many others stormed the pitch and destroyed banners and tents.
Before the chaos erupted, Messi unveiled a 21-meter (70-foot) bronze statue depicting himself holding the World Cup aloft.
He was also expected to play in a short exhibition match at the same stadium.
Javed Shamim, a senior police official in the province, told reporters that the event’s “lead organizer” had been arrested, but did not elaborate.
“It’s completely normal,” he said, adding that authorities would consider how organizers could refund ticket buyers.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she was “disturbed” and “shocked” by the mismanagement.
“I sincerely apologize to Lionel Messi and all sports lovers and his fans for the unfortunate incident,” she said in a post on X, adding that she had ordered an investigation into the matter.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) said it was not involved in the “organization, planning or execution” of the “private event”.
“Furthermore, details of the incident were not communicated to the AIFF and no permission was sought from the federation,” the statement said.
Messi played in front of fans on Saturday and was welcomed by thousands of fans in the southern city of Hyderabad. He arrived in Mumbai on Sunday. His tour is scheduled to end in New Delhi on Monday.
His stay in India also includes a possible meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Messi won his second consecutive Major League Soccer (MLS) Most Valuable Player award this week after leading Inter Miami in the MLS title and leading the league in goals scored.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward will spearhead Argentina’s defense at the World Cup in North America in June and July.
