Kolkata’s iconic Yubha Bharati Krirangan turned chaotic during Lionel Messi’s India Tour stop. Thousands of fans packed the stadium expecting a memorable sighting of the Argentine football legend. But the event quickly spiralled out of control as many fans struggled to see Messi clearly.
#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal: Angry fans resort to vandalism at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, alleging poor management of the event.
Star footballer Lionel Messi has left the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
A fan of star footballer Lionel Messi said, “Absolutely terrible… pic.twitter.com/TOf2KYeFt9
— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2025
Frustration grew into anger, and some supporters began hurling bottles and breaking seats. The situation worsened to the point that the Rapid Action Force (RAF) was deployed to restore order.
Messi India Tour: What Triggered Fan Anger Inside the Stadium?
As Messi walked around the pitch during a lap of honour, organisers and security teams tried to open the viewing area. But the crowd could not be cleared in time, and large sections still had poor sightlines. Many ticket-holders had paid between ₹4,500 and ₹10,000, expecting better access and a clearer view.
When Messi exited the stadium abruptly under tight security, fans’ frustration peaked. Loud boos echoed through the stands. Bottles, gestures of anger, and shouts replaced cheers as disappointment overtook excitement.
Messi India Tour: Stadium Vandalism & Police Response
Minutes after Messi’s departure, some spectators rushed onto the stadium turf. They damaged temporary tents and fibreglass seats installed for the event. Bottles and other objects were thrown around, creating a dangerous situation for those nearby.
Security forces, including the Rapid Action Force, moved in quickly to control the situation and prevent further destruction. Local police worked to disperse the crowd and secure the venue.
Messi India Tour: Fans Expectations vs. Reality
Many supporters said they came hoping to see Messi display his football skills, interact with the crowd, or speak to fans directly. Instead, they saw only brief waves and limited visibility from the stands.
One common criticism from attendees was that the high ticket price did not match the experience. Several fans on social media called the show “disappointing” and “poorly organised” given the stature of the event.
Messi India Tour: From Statue Unveiling to Mixed Reactions
Lionel Messi arrived in Kolkata early in the morning and unveiled his 70-foot statue in the city. Later, he entered Salt Lake Stadium amid applause from VIPs — including political leaders, former players, and coaches- before joining an exhibition match featuring Mohun Bagan ‘Messi’ All Stars and Diamond Harbour ‘Messi’ All Stars.
He waved to the crowd and participated in a quick meet-and-greet with former Indian footballers. However, this brief interaction left many fans in the stands unable to clearly see the football icon.
Messi India Tour: Official Scrutiny & Governor Reaction
In the wake of the incident, West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose asked the state government for a detailed report on the arrangements for Messi’s programme in Kolkata. The governor’s office sought clarity on crowd management, ticketing, and how fans’ expectations were handled.
He also questioned the role of the state government in the event planning, noting that many supporters had complained they could not properly see Messi or feel involved in the programme.
Is India Still Not Ready to Host Global Icons Like Messi?
The chaos at Salt Lake Stadium has reopened an uncomfortable question, and that is – Is India still not prepared to host global icons like Lionel Messi? Despite massive fan interest and high ticket prices, poor crowd management, limited visibility, and unclear event planning left thousands disappointed.
For a country that regularly hosts mega political rallies and international cricket matches, the failure to ensure a smooth experience for a global icon like Lionel Messi points to gaps in coordination between organisers, security agencies, and local authorities.
Until infrastructure planning matches fan expectations, such high-profile sporting events risk turning into public relations disasters rather than celebrations.
What This Means for Future Celebrity Events in India?
The chaos at Salt Lake Stadium underscores the challenges of managing high-profile appearances in large public venues. Organisers and local authorities now face pressure to tighten crowd control, improve visibility for ticket-holders, and manage expectations for future star visits.
It also highlights how fan passion can turn to frustration when logistical planning falls short of audience expectations, especially for globally recognised icons like Lionel Messi
