The first day of Lionel Messi’s three-day tour of India dubbed the “GOAT Tour” was forced to end earlier than planned amid chaotic scenes that had fans upset.
The Argentine superstar commenced his tour of the world’s most populous country in Kolkata on Saturday, December 13 and made an appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium.
However, Messi’s appearance at the stadium lasted just 20 minutes as he was whisked away by security to protect him and his entourage from fans at the stadium who threw chairs and bottles on the pitch in anger.
Several thousands of fans gathered at the stadium were incensed that they couldn’t see Messi from the stands as the Inter Miami star was mobbed on the pitch by special invited guests and security officials.
This prompted the angry reaction that led to the abrupt cancellation of the event as Messi was taken away from the scene and couldn’t go a full lap around the stadium to greet fans as planned.
Fans paid between 5,000 Indian Rupees ($55.20) and 25,000 Indian Rupees ($275.99) according to NDTV Sports to see Lionel Messi. Messi unveiled a 70 foot statue built in his honour earlier in the day.
Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee has since apologised for the chaos by writing on his X page,
“I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium. I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident.”
I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium. I was on my way to the stadium to attend the event along with thousands of sports lovers and fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite footballer, Lionel Messi.
I…
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 13, 2025
Scroll down to watch videos of the chaotic scenes that took place on the Kolkata leg of Lionel Messi’s GOAT Tour
VIDEO | Kolkata: Football icon Lionel Messi to virtually unveil his 70-foot statue from Salt Lake stadium, with West Bengal Minister Sujit Bose and Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan present at the event.#LionelMessi #Kolkata #Football
(Full VIDEO available on PTI Videos –… pic.twitter.com/dqISIwMgl4
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 13, 2025
Pathetic. Woeful. Poignant.
Poor Organised event in Kolkata. Management played with fans emotion.#Messi #MessiInIndia #Messi𓃵 #MessiKolkata pic.twitter.com/efrSb7Nwxu
— Jaikumar Murugesan (@ChoChoJaikul) December 13, 2025
#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal: Angry fans resort to vandalism at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, alleging poor management of the event.
Star footballer Lionel Messi has left the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
A fan of star footballer Lionel Messi said, “Absolutely terrible… pic.twitter.com/TOf2KYeFt9
— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2025
