Crowd Chaos in Kolkata Following Messi's Brief Visit
December 13, 2025329 VuesTemps de lecture: 2 minutes
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The city of Kolkata, India, experienced chaotic scenes following the visit of Argentine football star Lionel Messi, who is on a rare promotional tour in India that will continue until Monday. Messi, 38, arrived on Saturday morning in West Bengal, greeted by a massive crowd chanting his name, reflecting his immense popularity in a country where football is not the primary sport.
Strict Security Measures Frustrate Fans
Shortly after his arrival, thousands of fans wearing Messi jerseys gathered at Salt Lake Stadium, but strict security protocols prevented most from getting a close view of the former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star, resulting in widespread frustration and anger among the attendees.
Brief Appearance and Early Departure
Local media reported that Messi made only a brief appearance on the field to greet fans before leaving immediately, despite an announced schedule that indicated he would participate for several minutes, further heightening the discontent among those present.
Vandalism and Field Invasion
Fans' anger boiled over, particularly as many had paid over $100 to attend the event, a sum equivalent to a monthly salary for some. Several disgruntled attendees broke seats and threw them onto the field, in addition to launching water bottles and storming the pitch, necessitating urgent security intervention.
Angry Testimonies from the Stands
Businessman Nabin Chatterjee, 37, told AFP: "Seeing Messi was a dream, but I didn’t get to see him due to poor organization at the stadium." Similarly, Ajay Shah expressed his frustration to Indian news agency PTI, stating: "I came with my son to see Messi, not politicians," criticizing the fact that he could not see the Inter Miami star while police and military personnel took selfies with him.
Authorities Acknowledge Poor Organization
Many fans held the event organizers accountable for the chaos, a sentiment echoed by local authorities. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her "shock" at the disorganization and issued an official apology via social media platform X.
Official Apologies and Investigation Announced
Banerjee stated: "I sincerely apologize to Lionel Messi and all sports enthusiasts and his fans for this unfortunate incident," announcing the initiation of an investigation to understand the circumstances surrounding the event and hold those responsible accountable.
Giant Statue Unveiled and Tour Continues
Prior to Messi's arrival at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata unveiled a giant 21-meter statue of the Argentine star holding the World Cup. Messi is set to continue his tour in the cities of Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi in the coming days.
Strict Security Measures Frustrate Fans
Shortly after his arrival, thousands of fans wearing Messi jerseys gathered at Salt Lake Stadium, but strict security protocols prevented most from getting a close view of the former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star, resulting in widespread frustration and anger among the attendees.
Brief Appearance and Early Departure
Local media reported that Messi made only a brief appearance on the field to greet fans before leaving immediately, despite an announced schedule that indicated he would participate for several minutes, further heightening the discontent among those present.
Vandalism and Field Invasion
Fans' anger boiled over, particularly as many had paid over $100 to attend the event, a sum equivalent to a monthly salary for some. Several disgruntled attendees broke seats and threw them onto the field, in addition to launching water bottles and storming the pitch, necessitating urgent security intervention.
Angry Testimonies from the Stands
Businessman Nabin Chatterjee, 37, told AFP: "Seeing Messi was a dream, but I didn’t get to see him due to poor organization at the stadium." Similarly, Ajay Shah expressed his frustration to Indian news agency PTI, stating: "I came with my son to see Messi, not politicians," criticizing the fact that he could not see the Inter Miami star while police and military personnel took selfies with him.
Authorities Acknowledge Poor Organization
Many fans held the event organizers accountable for the chaos, a sentiment echoed by local authorities. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her "shock" at the disorganization and issued an official apology via social media platform X.
Official Apologies and Investigation Announced
Banerjee stated: "I sincerely apologize to Lionel Messi and all sports enthusiasts and his fans for this unfortunate incident," announcing the initiation of an investigation to understand the circumstances surrounding the event and hold those responsible accountable.
Giant Statue Unveiled and Tour Continues
Prior to Messi's arrival at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata unveiled a giant 21-meter statue of the Argentine star holding the World Cup. Messi is set to continue his tour in the cities of Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi in the coming days.
