Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium has been brought to a standstill as angry fans ripped up seats and threw items towards the pitch following Lionel Messi appearance in the stadium.

The Argentina and Inter Miami forward was escorted to a safe place by security agencies after the elements of the crowd around the stadium turned ugly.

Thousands of fans who turned out to catch a glimpse of the football star were left disappointed when Messi appeared to walk around the pitch and was obscured by a large group of officials and celebrities.

West Bengal’s chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, expressed her frustrations, terming the incident a disturbing and shocking event.

Why Messi Visited India

Messi had traveled to India for his ‘GOAT tour’, a series of promotional events in cities like Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi.

His tour began with the unveiling of a 70ft statue of himself in Kolkata, which had been assembled over the course of 27 days by a 45-strong crew.

However, the statue was unveiled virtually due to security reasons, forcing thousands of fans instead travel to the city’s stadium for a chance to see the footballer.

Supporters in the stadium were buying jerseys, chanting, and wearing “I love Messi” headbands.

The 2022 World Cup winner walked around the stadium while waving to fans before frustrated fans invaded the pitch and vandalized banners and tents, as others hurled plastic chairs and water bottles.

Messi’s achievements in the football arena made him considered as one of the football players of all time.

According to the AFP news agency, he was expected to play a short exhibition game at the stadium.

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How Fans Reacted After Learning That Messi Had Left

Fans who attended the event were left frustrated and questioned even why they were called out to attend the event and they did not even see Messi’s face.

“Only leaders and actors were surrounding Messi … Why did they call us then … We have got a ticket for 12 thousand rupees, but we were not even able to see his face”, a fan at the stadium said.

Another fan said people had paid the equivalent of a month’s salary to see the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

“I paid Rs 5,000 for the ticket and came with my son to watch Messi, not politicians.”

“The police and military personnel were taking selfies, and the management is to blame.”

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What Messi Said While In India

On December 13th, 2025, Messi was in Kolkata, India, to launch his statue and acknowledged the support he received from Indians during the 2022 World Cup.

He also noted that it is a privilege and honor to share those moments with his supporters from India.

“The truth is, it’s an honor and a pleasure to be here (India), I know about the support from the people of India in the World Cup, the support we had. I’m very happy to be able to share these days with them because I know the affection they have for me,” Messi said.

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Messi at Kolkata Stadium. PHOTO/Guardian