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Khaled Saifulla 13 Dec 2025 , 5:19 PM Print Edition
KOLKATA — A special event for Lionel Messi turned into a riot on Saturday. To begin, the event took place at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. Messi’s short visit angered thousands of fans. As a result, angry crowds damaged the venue. Clearly, this event was part of Messi’s ‘GOAT Tour’ of India.
The problem was the scene turned ugly fast. Organizers ended Messi’s time after just 20 minutes. Evidently, this act caused a riot. Supporters felt the organizers misled them. In fact, thousands came to the stadium. Some paid up to 12,000 rupees ($133). That amount, as many noted, is a month’s pay for some. Simply put, they paid to see the World Cup winner.
Hope became anger. Messi appeared, but fans could barely see him. For instance, officials and local leaders stood all around him. Security rushed the star away early. Also, organizers canceled a planned short game. Thus, the event ended too soon. Therefore, the mood in the crowd became hostile.
Frustrated fans charged the field. They ripped up plastic chairs. Rioters tore down banners. In addition, fans threw bottles and chairs. Police struggled to control the scene. During the chaos, fans shouted against the hosts. They said they paid for the football star, not the officials.
One angry fan spoke to ANI news. He said they paid a lot yet saw nothing. Similarly, another fan blamed the managers. He noted that police took selfies instead of crowd control.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was shocked. Immediately after, she publicly apologized to Messi and the fans. Following this, she started a high-level inquiry. The committee will name the people at fault. A police officer confirmed one arrest. Ultimately, police now hold the main event organizer. Authorities may refund ticket money. However, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) denied involvement. They said it was only a private show.
