Violence Erupts at Salt Lake Stadium During Lionel Messi Event, Fans Left Furious

Kolkata: Scenes of unprecedented violence unfolded at Salt Lake Stadium—long regarded as the cradle of Indian football—during an event featuring Argentine football legend Lionel Messi, in what has become an unforgettable and embarrassing episode for Kolkata and the country. Organisational failures at Messi’s Kolkata program turned the much-hyped event into a national disgrace.

Despite paying hefty sums for tickets, fans were unable to catch even a glimpse of Messi or his teammates, triggering widespread anger among the massive crowd packed into the stadium. Chairs, boards and banners were smashed, while enraged fans stormed the field. Police resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the crowd.

Tickets up to 25,000 rupees ; Black Market Sales Alleged

The three-day India tour, branded the “Goat Tour,” was sponsored by the 'A Shatadru Datta Initiative'. Tickets for the Salt Lake Stadium event were priced between 5,000 rupees and 25,000, rupees with allegations of black-market sales also surfacing. Fans who had entered the stadium early in the morning were left frustrated as Messi failed to appear. Nearly 50,000 people from across the country had reportedly travelled to Kolkata for the event.

VIPs First, Ticket Holders Left Waiting

Messi arrived at the stadium around 11.15 am along with Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, accompanied by West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas and sponsor Shatadru Datta. However, organisers surrounded Messi, preventing ticket holders from seeing him. Messi briefly waved at the crowd upon entering the field and left almost immediately. Only organisers’ associates were allowed close access, while even police personnel assigned to security were seen crowding around the football star for selfies.

As fans realised they would not be able to see Messi despite standing or climbing onto seats, unrest grew rapidly inside the stadium.

Rampage After Messi’s Exit

When Messi and his entourage left without addressing the crowd, the situation spiralled out of control. Fans uprooted chairs and hurled them onto the field, tore down banners and boards, and threw water bottles and other objects. Barricades were broken as people rushed onto the pitch. Temporary structures were vandalised, causing extensive damage to what is considered one of India’s finest football stadiums. Police eventually cleared the area using force.

A program planned for two hours ended abruptly within just 20 minutes. Prominent figures who were expected to attend—including actor Shah Rukh Khan, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and former cricketer Sourav Ganguly—were absent.

A Bitter Second Visit

Messi arrived in Kolkata around 2.30 am earlier that day. Due to security concerns, the unveiling of his statue was moved online. A private ceremony was held in his hotel room, attended by Shah Rukh Khan, though organisers’ associates reportedly crowded the venue for photographs with Messi.

Fourteen years after his first visit—when Argentina played a friendly match against Venezuela in 2011—Messi’s second trip to Kolkata ended on a sour note. The violence at the venue drew wide coverage in international media, bringing embarrassment to India. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee later apologised to Messi and football fans for the unfortunate incidents.

Later in the evening, Messi travelled to Hyderabad, where he played an exhibition match at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium and attended a dinner hosted by Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy along with Telugu film stars.