Lionel Messi’s India tour faced chaos on Saturday as fans rioted at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. Messi made only a brief appearance at a ticketed event, triggering frustration among attendees.
Messi was scheduled to visit for 45 minutes but left after just 20 minutes. Tickets were priced from around 3,500 rupees ($38.65), though some fans reported paying up to $130. Fans threw ripped seats and other objects onto the field, while several climbed fences to get closer to the star.
Eddie Lal Hmangaihzuala, who traveled 1,500 km from Mizoram, said, “I hardly got a glimpse of Messi. The mismanagement was shocking.”
West Bengal police detained Satadru Dutta, the event’s chief organiser. Police confirmed that Dutta pledged to refund all ticket holders. Rajeev Kumar, West Bengal’s director general of police, stated, “Strict action is being taken to ensure this mismanagement does not go unpunished.”
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also apologised to Messi and fans. She described the incident as “deeply disturbing and shocking” and ordered a full inquiry to assign responsibility and prevent future incidents.
Messi is touring India to attend concerts, youth football clinics, a padel tournament, and charity initiatives in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. Earlier on Saturday, Messi unveiled a 70-foot statue of himself in Kolkata.
Salt Lake Stadium has a history of fan unrest, including the 2012 Kolkata derby where a player was injured by a brick. Argentine legend Diego Maradona previously visited Kolkata and unveiled a statue in 2017.
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Fans in West Bengal, Kerala, and Goa are known for their passion for football despite India being cricket-dominated. Authorities have promised to ensure tighter management for the remaining Messi tour events.
