Chaos Erupts at Messi Event in Kolkata
Fans Riot After Short Appearance
KOLKATA, Dec 13, 2025 — Lionel Messi’s visit to India began in chaos on Saturday as fans at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium tore up seats, threw objects, and stormed the pitch after the soccer superstar made only a brief appearance at a ticketed event.
The Argentine forward was scheduled for a 45-minute appearance, but he left after just 20 minutes, reportedly due to safety concerns.
Organiser Detained Amid Mismanagement
Satadru Dutta, the event’s chief organiser, has been detained by West Bengal police, according to Rajeev Kumar, the state’s director general of police. “We are taking action to ensure this mismanagement does not go unpunished,” Kumar said. He also confirmed that the organiser has committed in writing to refund ticket holders.
Tickets for the event ranged from approximately 3,500 rupees ($38.65), which is more than half the average weekly income in India. Some fans reported paying as much as $130 for access.
Fans Express Frustration
Several fans expressed frustration over the event’s organisation. Eddie Lal Hmangaihzuala, who traveled nearly 1,500 km from Mizoram, said, “I can’t believe there was so much mismanagement. Messi left quickly, and I hardly got a glimpse of him.”
During the chaos, spectators climbed fences and hurled chairs and other objects onto the field. The tour organisers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.