Chaos Erupts at Messi’s Kolkata Event, Star Exit Sparks Outrage

Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated visit to India began on a chaotic and disappointing note on Saturday when disorder broke out at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, forcing the global football icon to leave far earlier than planned.

Thousands of fans had gathered at the stadium for a ticketed appearance by the Argentine legend. Messi was scheduled to spend around 45 minutes at the venue, but growing unrest in the stands cut his visit short to just about 20 minutes. As tensions rose, objects were thrown onto the field, seats were damaged, and several spectators crossed security barriers, creating an unsafe environment.

The situation quickly spiralled out of control, leaving fans angry and organisers struggling to manage the crowd. Many attendees had paid a high price for tickets, with entry costs starting at around ₹3,500. For some fans, this meant spending more than a week’s earnings, while others claimed they paid even higher amounts through unofficial channels.

Several supporters expressed frustration and disappointment, saying the event failed to meet expectations. Some had travelled long distances from other states, spending days on the road just to see Messi in person. Many said they barely caught a glimpse of him before he was escorted out amid safety concerns.

Police later detained the main organiser of the event, citing serious lapses in planning and crowd control. Authorities confirmed that action would be taken to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future. The organiser has also given a written assurance that all tickets sold for the event will be refunded.

The state government responded swiftly to the incident. An official apology was issued to Messi and to fans across the country, acknowledging the failure in arrangements. A high-level probe has been ordered to investigate what went wrong, identify those responsible, and recommend strict measures for future large-scale events.

Messi is in India as part of a multi-city tour that includes football-related activities, youth training sessions, cultural events, and charitable initiatives. His schedule covers major cities such as Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. Despite the rocky start, the remaining events on the tour are expected to go ahead with enhanced security and tighter management.

Eastern India has a deep-rooted love for football, and Kolkata in particular has long been considered one of the sport’s strongest centres in the country. However, the city’s iconic Salt Lake Stadium has witnessed crowd trouble in the past, raising repeated questions about event management and spectator safety.

Messi shares a special connection with Kolkata, having captained Argentina at the same stadium during an international friendly match in 2011. Earlier on the day of the incident, he also took part in the virtual unveiling of a massive statue in his honour, highlighting the admiration he enjoys among Indian fans.

What was meant to be a historic and joyful moment for football lovers instead turned into a lesson on the importance of proper planning, security, and respect for fans who invest their time, money, and emotions to witness sporting greatness.