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Messi’s India Tour Marred by Fan Anger and Stadium Chaos

Posted : 13 December 2025

Lionel Messi’s three-day “GOAT India Tour” kicked off on a chaotic note on Saturday in Kolkata, with frustrated fans throwing bottles, ripping up seats, and invading the pitch after being unable to see the Argentine football superstar. The visit, initially scheduled for 45 minutes, lasted only 20, sparking outrage among spectators who had waited for hours and paid steep ticket prices ranging from approximately 3,500 rupees ($38.65) to $130.

Many attendees reported they had little to no view of Messi, either in person or on the stadium’s big screens, which prompted the unrest. Satadru Dutta, the chief organizer of the event, was arrested, according to Rajeev Kumar, Director General of West Bengal Police. Authorities confirmed that action is being taken to ensure accountability, and a refund for the ticket holders has been pledged in writing by the organizer.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued an apology to Messi and fans, expressing her shock over the mismanagement at Salt Lake Stadium. She announced that a committee would be formed to investigate the incident, determine responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Messi, joined by longtime teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, is scheduled to continue the tour from Kolkata to Hyderabad, Mumbai, and conclude in New Delhi on Monday. During the opening day, he also remotely unveiled a 21-metre (70-foot) statue of himself in Kolkata.

Football in India has faced multiple challenges in recent years. The Indian Super League (ISL), the country’s top professional league, has struggled amid disputes between the football federation and its commercial partners. Financial instability led clubs like Bengaluru FC to halt player and staff salaries, highlighting the difficulties facing Indian football.

Despite the turbulence in India, Messi and the Argentina team are set to defend their FIFA World Cup title at the 2026 tournament, which will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer.

 

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