Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated visit to India, branded the “GOAT Tour,” began with both spectacle and disorder on Saturday, December 13, 2025, as the
Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated visit to India, branded the “GOAT Tour,” began with both spectacle and disorder on Saturday, December 13, 2025, as the Argentine football icon toured key centres in Kolkata but was forced to cut short his public appearance following chaotic scenes at the Salt Lake Stadium.
The Inter Miami superstar arrived in Kolkata as the first stop of a three-day tour designed to celebrate his legendary career and deepen his global fan engagement in the world’s most populous country.
The Kolkata leg was expected to be a historic moment for Indian football fans, many of whom had waited years for a glimpse of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner on home soil.
Earlier in the day, Messi took part in ceremonial activities, including the unveiling of a towering 70-foot statue erected in his honour—symbolising his immense influence on world football and his cult-like following in India.
Thousands of fans, some travelling from distant states, converged on the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan (VYBK), popularly known as the Salt Lake Stadium, for what was billed as a rare chance to see the football great in person.
However, excitement quickly turned into frustration inside the stadium. Although fans had paid between 5,000 and 25,000 Indian Rupees for tickets, many were unable to get a clear view of Messi, who was surrounded on the pitch by heavy security and a group of invited dignitaries.
Messi’s appearance, expected to include a full lap around the stadium to acknowledge supporters, lasted barely 20 minutes.
As disappointment grew in the stands, sections of the crowd became unruly. Chairs and bottles were hurled onto the pitch, and some fans attempted to storm restricted areas, prompting security officials to swiftly evacuate Messi and his entourage for safety reasons.
The event was abruptly halted, bringing the first day of the GOAT Tour to an unscheduled end.
The chaotic scenes were widely circulated on social media, showing damaged equipment and fans venting their anger inside the stadium. The incident sparked public criticism over crowd control and event organisation, especially given the scale of interest surrounding Messi’s visit.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee later issued a public apology, expressing shock over the mismanagement that marred the occasion.
In a post on X, she said she was “deeply disturbed” by what transpired and extended apologies to Messi, sports lovers, and fans who had gathered for the event.
Messi’s India tour had been promoted as a celebration of football excellence, with organisers hoping it would inspire a new generation of players and fans in the country. Instead, the troubled start has raised questions about planning, security coordination, and the handling of mega sports personalities whose presence attracts overwhelming public attention.
Despite the setback in Kolkata, Messi remains scheduled to continue his tour in other Indian cities, with organisers under pressure to ensure tighter security and smoother logistics.
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