The opening day of Lionel Messi's GOAT India Tour 2025 in Kolkata descended into disorder, marked by fan outrage and property damage. The Argentine superstar's initial stop at the 85,000-seat Salt Lake Stadium, intended to kick off a three-day series of events across India, quickly turned chaotic.

Thousands of fans, many of whom paid up to 12,000 rupees (about 133 USD) for tickets, gathered to see their idol. However, the World Cup 2022 winner only completed one lap of the stadium, waving to the crowd while surrounded by heavy security, before departing after approximately 20 minutes. This short appearance deeply angered many attendees who felt they had been denied a proper viewing experience.

In response, frustrated fans ripped chairs from the stands and hurled them onto the pitch and athletics track. Some broke through security barriers, throwing various objects onto the field in a state of unrest. Many fans voiced criticism over the poor organization, stating that it prevented them from getting close to or even clearly seeing the Argentine superstar.

"I cannot believe such poor management", said Eddie Lal Hmangaihzuala, a fan who traveled almost 1,500 km from Mizoram over two days. "Messi left too quickly; I think he felt unsafe. I barely caught a glimpse of him".

Following the widespread criticism, West Bengal state police confirmed the temporary detention of Satadru Dutta, the event's chief organizer, for investigation. State Police Director Rajeev Kumar stated that authorities would address the inadequate management, and the organizers had committed in writing to refund tickets to fans. Police also admitted to using mild force to disperse crowds gathered outside Messi's hotel.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee publicly apologized to Messi and the fans, ordering an investigative committee. "I am deeply shocked and concerned by the poor organization at Salt Lake Stadium. The committee will identify responsibilities and propose measures to prevent recurrence", she wrote on social media X.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) expressed serious concern but stated it was not involved. The federation emphasized that this was a private event organized by a PR company, which had not sought permission or notified the AIFF.

Messi's India tour, which is scheduled to last three days, includes visits to cities such as Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. Activities planned for the tour comprise concert attendance, youth football training, a padel tournament, and the launch of charity initiatives. He is accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul. Salt Lake Stadium previously hosted Messi in a 2011 friendly match, where Argentina defeated Venezuela 1-0. Before the recent chaos, Messi had also appeared online to inaugurate a 21-meter-tall statue in Kolkata, depicting him lifting the World Cup trophy.

After the incident, Messi and his entourage departed Kolkata for Hyderabad. Local police there stated that approximately 4,000 security personnel had been deployed and assured that the organization for events in Hyderabad was "more thoroughly prepared". The tour is expected to continue in Mumbai before concluding in New Delhi.

Hong Duy

Photos: Reuters, AFP