KOLKATA: A wave of chaos and disappointment swept through Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium (Yuva Bharati Krirangan) on Saturday as thousands of football fans, frustrated by limited access and poor management during Lionel Messi’s GOAT India Tour, went on a rampage. The legendary Argentine’s brief appearance lasted only a few minutes, triggering anger among spectators who had paid steep ticket prices but barely got a glimpse of their idol.
Fans, who had spent between ₹4,500 and ₹10,000 on tickets, expected an interactive session or football demonstration. Instead, Messi’s early departure led to pandemonium bottles were hurled, seats smashed, and chairs set ablaze inside one of India’s largest football venues.
Grand Welcome Turns to Public Fury
Messi landed in Kolkata at 2:26 a.m. on Saturday to a hero’s welcome. Later that morning, he virtually unveiled a 70-foot statue of himself before arriving at Salt Lake Stadium around 11:30 a.m. As soon as he entered the ground, he was surrounded by political leaders, ex-footballers, and organisers leaving the massive crowd in the stands unable to see him clearly.
Messi greeted fans with a brief wave before attending a short “Meet & Greet” session on stage. A planned exhibition match featuring former Indian players and a “Master Class with Messi” for children were both cancelled amid rising crowd tension and confusion over the event’s schedule.
Security Rush and Sudden Exit Spark Violence
When Messi began his planned “lap of honour,” authorities struggled to control the surging crowd. Security personnel quickly moved him out of the stadium to avoid escalation.
The decision proved costly. As Messi exited, frustration boiled over. Spectators stormed the field, hurled plastic bottles and banners, broke fibreglass seats, and even set chairs on fire. The atmosphere turned chaotic as fans chanted in protest and vandalised temporary tents and structures erected for the event.
RAF Deployed as Situation Spirals
The situation worsened, prompting deployment of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Kolkata Police. It took several hours to clear the ground as angry spectators refused to leave. Officials said many fans had travelled from distant states, only to find that even premium ticket-holders were unable to get a proper view of Messi.
Damage was reported to stadium property, including advertising panels, banners, and VIP enclosures. No major injuries were reported, though several people fainted amid the commotion.
Incomplete Events and Mismanagement Allegations
The disruption forced organisers to cancel two scheduled segments a felicitation ceremony for Bengal’s Santosh Trophy-winning team and a football workshop with Messi for children.
Criticism soon mounted against the organisers, with allegations that advertising agencies and event partners had over promised access to Messi and mismanaged the logistics. Many fans accused them of “selling emotion for profit,” calling the event a commercial spectacle that disregarded basic crowd control and safety.
Governor Seeks Report, Questions State Role
West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose has sought a detailed report from the state government over the incident. His office confirmed receiving complaints from attendees who said they were “cheated despite paying exorbitant ticket prices.” Bose questioned the coordination between private organisers and state agencies, asking,
“How was such an event allowed to monetise public emotion? Who was responsible for ensuring the crowd’s safety?”
Lapses in Coordination Under Scrutiny
According to sources, the state government has initiated an internal review to examine the roles of the Sports Department and private event agencies. Senior officials admitted to serious lapses in crowd management and security planning, especially given the global stature of Messi’s visit.
Fans Express Outrage Online
Kolkata’s deep-rooted love for football and for Lionel Messi turned into heartbreak and outrage. Social media platforms were flooded with angry posts, with fans dubbing the day as “Fan Shame Day” and “An Emotional Scam.”
Many lamented that the event could have been a historic celebration for Kolkata, a city that worships football, but instead it became a symbol of mismanagement and misplaced greed.
