What was meant to be a historic and unforgettable evening for football fans in Kolkata turned into chaos on Saturday when Lionel Messi’s appearance at the Vivekananda Yuvabharati Salt Lake Stadium was cut to under 10 minutes. Thousands of supporters, many of whom paid between Rs 5,000 and Rs 12,000 for tickets, were left shocked and angry as overcrowding, poor access control, and security concerns prevented the Argentine star from properly interacting with the crowd, triggering unrest inside the stadium.
#WATCH | West Bengal: Star footballer Lionel Messi greets his fans at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata
A friendly match and a felicitation ceremony will be organised here. #Messi𓃵 #MessiInIndia
(Video Source: DD Sports) pic.twitter.com/ijEsiDMwEg
— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2025
Fans Express Anger Over ‘Pathetic’ Experience
Disappointed fans said Messi was surrounded by politicians, officials, celebrities, and corporate guests, leaving ticket holders unable to even see his face. Some alleged that promised moments, including a kick on the field and celebrity appearances, never happened. “We paid Rs 12,000 but couldn’t see anything,” one fan said, while another called the event a “fraud”, saying people’s money, emotions, and time were wasted.
#WATCH | 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.
More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/mcxi6YROyr
— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2025
#WATCH | Kolkata: A fan of star footballer Lionel Messi says, “Only leaders and actors were surrounding Messi…Why did they call us then… We have got a ticket for 12 thousand, but we were not even able to see his face…” https://t.co/Ce4kNu8dBH pic.twitter.com/WUAOG4xc1V
— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2025
Salt Lake Stadium Chaos
– Lionel Messi appeared for barely 10 mins & left
– He tried moving towards the stands to greet fans
– A politician grabbed his hand and pulled him towards family for photos
– Event cancelled due to safety and crowd mismanagement— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) December 13, 2025
Fans calls event fraud after Messi’s missing appearance at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata pic.twitter.com/IF1sA6lPOP
— Vivek (@Hailkohli18) December 13, 2025
Mamata Banerjee Apologises
Following the unrest, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologised on X to both Messi and football fans, calling the mismanagement “deeply disturbing”. She announced the formation of an enquiry committee led by retired Justice Ashim Kumar Ray, with senior state officials as members. The panel has been tasked with fixing responsibility and recommending measures to ensure such incidents do not occur again in the future.
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
