Chaos Breaks Out At Lionel Messi Event In India As Fans Riot Following Short Appearance

According to Ireporter Online, chaos erupted at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday, December 13, as Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated appearance ended abruptly, leaving thousands of fans angry and disappointed. Supporters, who had paid up to 12,000 rupees for tickets, reacted violently by tearing up plastic seats, throwing bottles, and storming the pitch after the football star was escorted away barely 20 minutes into the event.

Messi, in India as part of his promotional GOAT tour, appeared on the pitch to wave at the crowd but was largely obscured by a large entourage of officials, celebrities, and security personnel. When it became apparent that no exhibition match would take place, tensions escalated among the packed audience.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her shock over the disorder, describing herself as “deeply disturbed” by the incident. Video footage showed fans dismantling banners, breaking chairs, and rushing onto the field. Many attendees had reportedly expected more than a brief walkabout, with speculation that Messi would participate in a short exhibition game.

Fans voiced their frustrations, with one telling ANI, “Only leaders and actors were surrounding Messi… We paid 12,000 rupees but could not even see his face.” Another supporter shared with the Press Trust of India, “I paid Rs 5,000 to bring my son to see Messi, not politicians. The police and military personnel were taking selfies, and the organisers are to blame.”

Messi’s short visit was accompanied by Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez and fellow Argentina international Rodrigo de Paul, and Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan met the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner earlier in the day. Kolkata, a city known for its passionate football culture, had seen fans traveling from across the country, chanting Messi’s name and wearing Argentina jerseys.

Messi’s tour in India began with the unveiling of a 70-foot statue in Kolkata, constructed over 27 days by a 45-member crew. Security concerns meant Messi appeared virtually at the ceremony.

In response to the unrest, Banerjee announced an official enquiry and issued an apology to Messi and sports fans. “The committee will conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future,” she stated on . Authorities confirmed that the event’s chief organiser had been arrested and indicated that ticket refunds would be considered. The All India Football Federation clarified it had no involvement in the privately organised event.