LIVE: Kolkata Chaos: Mamata Apologises to Messi, Launches High-Level Inquiry
Kolkata: Angry fans vandalised the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, alleging poor management of the event
A fan of star footballer Lionel Messi said, "Absolutely terrible event. He came for just 10 minutes. All the leaders and ministers surrounded him. We couldn't see anything. He didn't take a single kick or a single penalty. He came for 10 minutes and left. So much money, emotions, and time wasted. We couldn't see anything..."
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- 13 Dec 2025 2:08 PM IST
Breakdown of Law and Order: Fans on rampage as Messi''s Kolkata tour turns ''Messy''
Fans react as Inter Miami's Argentine forward #10 Lionel Messi departs from the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on December 13, 2025. Thousands of fans packed into a stadium in eastern India on December 13 to cheer on Lionel Messi as the football legend unveiled a 21-metre (70-foot) statue of himself. - AFP
Breakdown of Law and Order: Fans on rampage as Messi''s Kolkata tour turns ''Messy''
Kolkata: Lionel Messi's brief visit to Kolkata descended into chaos as angry fans broke security protocols after failing to catch even a glimpse of the world's most popular footballer during his blink-and-miss 22-minute appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday morning. What was meant to be a red-letter day for football fans in the City of Joy turned into a virtual nightmare, with “less of Messi” and more of what many described as a “royal mess”, as disorder prevailed inside the stadium. Moments after Messi emerged from the tunnel, the situation spiralled out of control. Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who had arrived in Kolkata for the special event, along with former India captain Sourav Ganguly and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, were unable to be part of the programme as the event was cut short amid the chaos.
Such was the situation that promoter Shatadru Datta, organiser of the ‘GOAT Tour', along with security personnel, had to whisk Messi away as the Salt Lake Stadium turned into a scene of political one-upmanship, with supporters of the ruling Trinamool Congress breaching security and entering the field of play. Fans, who had paid between Rs 4,500 and Rs 10,000 for tickets to watch the Argentine star, hurled bottles and damaged fibreglass seats, forcing the police to intervene as they struggled to bring the situation under control.
“Here, a glass of cold drink costs Rs 150–200, yet we couldn't even catch a glimpse of Messi. People have spent a month's salary to see him. 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. There wasn't even drinking water available,” an angry fan, Ajay Shah, told PTI
- 13 Dec 2025 1:49 PM IST
Fans throw chairs after Inter Miami's Argentine forward #10 Lionel Messi departs from the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on December 13, 2025. Thousands of fans packed into a stadium in eastern India on December 13 to cheer on Lionel Messi as the football legend unveiled a 21-metre (70-foot) statue of himself. - AFP
Hyderabad on High Alert for Messi Match, Security Tightened at Uppal After Kolkata Unrest
Hyderabad police have imposed an unprecedented security clampdown around the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Uppal ahead of Lionel Messi’s appearance in the ‘GOAT India Tour 2025’, learning from the chaos in Kolkata. To prevent a repeat of the Salt Lake Stadium unrest, authorities prioritised strict crowd control, ticket verification, and rapid-response measures.
Only spectators with a valid QR-code or barcoded tickets and authorised passes will be allowed near the stadium. Multiple checkpoints are set up on approach roads, with warnings that non-ticket holders will be turned away to avoid uncontrolled crowds that escalated tensions in Kolkata.
Security has been massively scaled up, with nearly 2,500 personnel from law and order, traffic police, Telangana State Special Police, and specialised units deployed in and around the stadium. Support includes Octopus commandos, mounted police, Vajra vehicles, bomb disposal squads, and sniffer dogs. A joint command-and-control centre monitors in real-time via over 400 CCTV cameras covering gates, stands, parking, and approach roads.
Traffic restrictions and diversions are enforced on key routes from the afternoon to late at night. Fans are advised to use Metro and RTC buses, with parking limited to 34 designated locations. Gates open hours early for staggered entry and thorough checks.
Senior officials confirmed the blueprint was finalised after reviewing Kolkata footage and reports, where angry fans damaged property and clashed after Messi left shortly after arriving. In Hyderabad, controlled movement, separate enclosures for VIPs, media, and players, and standby rapid-response teams aim to maintain order and focus on football.
- 13 Dec 2025 1:36 PM IST
A fan takes a selfie with Inter Miami's Argentine forward #10 Lionel Messi (L) at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on December 13, 2025. Thousands of fans packed into a stadium in eastern India on December 13 to cheer on Lionel Messi as the football legend unveiled a 21-metre (70-foot) statue of himself.- AFP
Mamata Banerjee Apologises to Messi, Orders High-Level Probe After Salt Lake Stadium Chaos
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has publicly apologised to football icon Lionel Messi and his fans following reports of chaos and poor organisation during the star's brief visit to Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday.
Expressing her deep distress and shock over the events, Banerjee used a post on X to convey her regret, acknowledging that thousands of fans had gathered simply to catch a glimpse of their hero. She specifically apologised to Messi and all affected sports enthusiasts, labelling the incident as "unfortunate." The Chief Minister noted the mismanagement occurred while she was en route to the event.
To address the situation, Banerjee announced the formation of a high-level inquiry committee. This committee will be chaired by retired Justice Ashim Kumar Ray, with the Chief Secretary and Additional Chief Secretary (Home and Hill Affairs) serving as members. Its mandate is to investigate the incident, establish accountability, and propose preventative measures.
She concluded by offering "heartfelt apologies" to the entire sporting community, with the stated aim of rebuilding confidence among fans and international personalities.
- 13 Dec 2025 1:01 PM IST
Angry Fans Vandalise Salt Lake Stadium Over Alleged Mismanagement of Messi Event
Kolkata, West Bengal: Chaos erupted at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata as angry fans vandalised parts of the venue, alleging poor management of the event featuring star footballer Lionel Messi. Several spectators expressed frustration, claiming they were unable to properly see the football icon despite spending large sums of money and time.
One disappointed fan said, “Absolutely terrible event. He came for just 10 minutes. All the leaders and ministers surrounded him. We couldn't see anything. He didn't take a single kick or a single penalty. He came for 10 minutes and left. So much money, emotions, and time wasted. We couldn't see anything.”
- 13 Dec 2025 12:45 PM IST
Kolkata: People gather near the newly unveiled 70-foot statue of Argentine footballer Lionel Messi in Kolkata, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. Messi virtually unveiled the statue as part of his 'G.O.A.T. India Tour 2025.' - PTI
From Roars to Rage: Messi’s Fleeting Kolkata Appearance Sparks Fan Fury
A much-anticipated celebration turned chaotic at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium when Lionel Messi left minutes into his ‘GOAT India Tour 2025’ appearance, shocking fans and sparking accusations that organisers oversold expectations.
The stadium erupted in cheers upon Messi's arrival at Yuva Bharati Krirangan. Fans had waited hours, expecting interaction or a “legendary match.” But joy turned to disbelief as Messi departed in under ten minutes, leaving the crowd stunned and angry.
Frustration escalated as fans hurled chairs and water bottles, requiring police intervention. Many, having traveled far and paid dearly for tickets, felt cheated by the brief glimpse.
Organisers now face backlash for mismanagement and unclear communication, with fans claiming promotions implied longer engagement.
Despite the Kolkata turmoil, Messi’s four-city tour continues, with Hyderabad next this evening. The incident highlights how unmet expectations can quickly turn fan admiration into outrage in a sports-passionate nation.
- 13 Dec 2025 12:17 PM IST
Angry fans threw bottles and chairs from the stands at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium
Kolkata, West Bengal: Angry fans threw bottles and chairs from the stands at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium
Star footballer Lionel Messi has left the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
- 13 Dec 2025 12:10 PM IST
Fans hold posters of Argentinian football star Lionel Messi as they cheer from the stands before his arrival during the GOAT India Tour 2025 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on December 13, 2025. Messi will unveil a 21-metre (70-foot) statue of himself in India on December 13, as he embarks on a three-day tour of the country that has sparked a fan frenzy. - AFP
Beyond Cricket: How Lionel Messi Became India’s Most Beloved Football Icon
Lionel Messi has transcended the boundaries of sport to become a significant cultural icon in India, a nation where cricket traditionally reigns supreme. His appeal inspires profound admiration across all linguistic, regional, and generational divides—a level of devotion rarely afforded to a non-cricketing athlete.
For countless Indian admirers, Messi represents more than just a football legend. He embodies qualities such as artistry, perseverance, and quiet humility, which deeply resonate in a society that respects the journey of struggle and the grace of success. Globally recognised, he symbolises the essence of the "beautiful game."
The enthusiasm for Messi has recently intensified with the announcement of his potential visit to India for a goodwill and charity tour. This news has sparked extraordinary excitement, described by fans as a "once-in-a-lifetime moment." Supporters are prepared to travel vast distances, viewing his arrival not just as a sporting fixture but as a national celebration.
This fervent passion is particularly evident in Kolkata, India's renowned football capital. The planned installation of a towering 70-foot statue in his honor highlights the deep emotional connection between Indian fans and the Argentine icon—a tribute seldom given to even India's own sporting heroes.
As discussions continue regarding exhibition matches, fan meet-and-greets, and community outreach during his stay, Messi's visit is anticipated to be a watershed moment for Indian football. His influence has already boosted interest in international tournaments and ignited grassroots enthusiasm, proving that even within cricket's stronghold, football, propelled by Messi's magic, has established a powerful and enduring presence.
- 13 Dec 2025 11:50 AM IST
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has written to the state government, seeking an elaborate report on the arrangements for Argentine superstar footballer Lionel Messi's programme in Kolkata on Saturday, a Lok Bhavan official said. Read more
