What was expected to be a landmark celebration for Indian football fans descended into disorder and disappointment at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium after Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated appearance lasted barely 22 minutes, triggering unrest among sections of the crowd. 

Soon after scenes of vandalism and chaos erupted at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) issued a statement distancing itself from the event, making it clear that it had no role in the planning or execution of the programme, which was part of Messi’s ‘GOAT (Greatest of All Time) India Tour 2025’.

AIFF distances itself from event

The federation said the programme was privately organised by a public relations agency and that no information had been shared with it in advance.

"The All India Football Federation is deeply concerned by the events that transpired at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, where thousands of fans gathered to witness world football stars Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Rodrigo de Paul.

"This was a private event organised by a PR agency. The AIFF was not involved in the organisation, planning, or execution of this event in any capacity. Furthermore, the details of the event were neither communicated to the AIFF, nor was any clearance sought from the Federation.

“We urge all attendees to extend their full cooperation. with the relevant authorities and to maintain order. The safety and security of all individuals involved must remain the paramount priority.”

The AIFF reiterated that public safety must take precedence at large-scale sporting events and urged cooperation with law enforcement agencies.

Chaos at Salt Lake Stadium

More than 50,000 spectators packed the stadium, many arriving early in the morning after tracking Messi’s arrival in Kolkata late the previous night. With high-priced tickets and massive expectations, the atmosphere initially resembled a festival as fans chanted Messi’s name and watched an exhibition match.

When Messi finally appeared alongside Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, the stadium erupted. However, within minutes, the pitch was crowded by politicians, VIPs, officials and security personnel, forming what many described as a human barricade that blocked fans’ view of the football star.

Repeated appeals by organisers to clear the ground went unheeded. Messi appeared visibly uncomfortable and was escorted off the field far earlier than planned, prompting anger and frustration among sections of the crowd.

Vandalism and police action

The early exit triggered violent scenes inside the stadium. Bottles – banned items at sporting venues – were hurled, chairs were ripped out and thrown, and fibreglass seats were left smashed across the pitch and synthetic track.

Temporary canopies erected for Messi and the chief minister’s enclosure were torn apart, with attempts made to set parts of them on fire before police intervened. Gates were damaged, the players’ tunnel roof was hammered and posters were ripped down. The unrest continued for more than an hour, though police prevented the situation from escalating further.

Kolkata Police later arrested Satadru Dutta, the prime organiser of the event, following widespread criticism over crowd management and security lapses.

Official response and apology

Addressing the media, Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar said ticket refunds would be issued to disappointed spectators.

“We have already detained the main organiser. We are taking action to ensure this mismanagement does not go unpunished,” he said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also issued a formal apology to Messi and the fans after the incident.

GOAT India Tour and Messi’s schedule

The three-day tour, organised under the leadership of sports promoter and business consultant Satadru Dutta, brought Messi to India along with Suárez and De Paul. The Argentine World Cup winner arrived in Kolkata in the early hours of December 13 and took part in a meet-and-greet, a virtual statue inauguration and a brief stadium interaction before security concerns forced an early departure.

With the Kolkata leg concluded amid controversy, attention has shifted to the remaining stops on Messi’s tightly packed itinerary.

Hyderabad leg

Messi is scheduled to arrive in Hyderabad later on December 13, landing at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad. He is expected to attend a private meet-and-greet at Falaknuma Palace before heading to the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal for the main event.

Telangana Sports Authority chairman Shiva Sena Reddy assured fans that arrangements in Hyderabad would be smooth.

"Today there will be a small 20-minute friendly game between Messi and CM's XIs. It will be followed by Messi holding a football clinic for young players. I would like to assure that what happened in Kolkata earlier in the day will not happen here in Hyderabad, we have enough police force deployed to manage things and a small request to the fans that they should also be calm."

Remaining tour itinerary

After Hyderabad, Messi is scheduled to travel to Mumbai on December 14 for appearances at the Padel Cup at the Cricket Club of India, a celebrity football match, and an event at Wankhede Stadium that will also feature a charity fashion show.

The tour concludes in New Delhi on December 15, where Messi is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attend a felicitation event at the Arun Jaitley Stadium alongside players from the Minerva Academy.

(With inputs from agencies)