Tension and frustration flared during Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated GOAT India Tour 2025 stop at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, where thousands of fans, upset over a poorly managed schedule and brief public appearance by the football legend, reacted angrily by tearing up seats, throwing objects onto the pitch, and clashing with event staff and police. The chaotic scenes prompted authorities to detain the chief event organizer amid criticism from spectators who had paid for tickets but felt short-changed by the abrupt and limited interaction. West Bengal’s Chief Minister publicly apologized to both Messi and disappointed fans, announcing an official inquiry into the event’s handling to prevent similar issues in future cultural and sporting tours. The disorderly episode, which overshadowed the start of Messi’s tour that includes multiple Indian cities and related community events, sparked widespread debate on crowd management, event safety protocols, and the responsibilities of large-scale sports entertainment productions.
Chaos Erupts at Messi’s Tour Stop in Kolkata as Fans Clash with Organizers
