Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated India tour took an unexpected turn when chaos erupted at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan stadium. Thousands of fans, desperate for a glimpse of the football legend, surged onto the pitch and threw bottles, angered by not being able to see their hero up close.
Arriving in India as part of his GOAT India Tour 2025, Messi touched down at 2.26am to an ecstatic crowd that stormed airport terminals, waving flags and chanting his name. Alongside football pals Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, Messi was whisked away under tight security to his hotel.
The Hyatt Regency became a hub of “Messi mania,” with fans camping out in the lobby, booking rooms, and hoping to catch a moment with the global icon.
Scheduled to make appearances in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, Messi’s tour was packed with meetings with Bollywood stars and even India’s Prime Minister. In Kolkata, he was warmly greeted by West Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.
However, the spectacle in Kolkata turned chaotic. Fans paid hefty sums for tickets expecting grand exhibitions and tributes. Yet, safety concerns curtailed Messi’s appearance to a mere wave before he was rushed away.
The stands turned into a scene of fury as fans shouted, hurled objects, and pushed against barriers when they realised Messi wouldn’t be returning. Security forces stepped in to manage the crowd, and the football legend had to make a quick exit under tight guard, leaving many fans disheartened.
Social media buzzed with discontent, showcasing images of torn hoardings and angry fans. The disappointment was palpable as many felt misled by promises of a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience. One fan lamented, “We paid 12,000 rupees (£99) and didn’t even see his face. No kick, no penalty, nothing.”
West Bengal’s Chief Minister expressed her shock over the chaos and apologised, announcing an official inquiry to pinpoint what went wrong and prevent a repeat.
While organisers hailed Messi’s visit as historic, the Kolkata chaos raises concerns as the tour heads to Mumbai and beyond. This turbulent kickoff serves as a sobering reminder of the critical need for careful planning in such high-stakes events.