Kolkata, India – Lionel Messi's highly anticipated "GOAT India Tour 2025" stop in Kolkata turned chaotic, with reports indicating that Luis Suárez sustained an injury and Rodrigo De Paul was sidelined, while security measures for Messi were significantly heightened. The Salt Lake Stadium event on Saturday, intended to be a celebratory occasion for football fans, descended into disarray, ultimately forcing Messi's early exit and triggering unrest among spectators.
Approximately 60,000 fans, many donning the blue and white of Argentina with Messi's name emblazoned on their backs, filled the stadium since early morning. However, the atmosphere soured as soon as Messi arrived on the pitch at 11:30 am, with a throng of VIPs, organizers, celebrities, and security personnel immediately surrounding him. This created a situation where the fans in the stands struggled to catch a glimpse of the football icon, despite having paid between Rs 5,000 and Rs 16,000 for tickets.
Reports suggest that Suárez sustained an injury prior to the event, preventing him from participating, while De Paul was also absent, though the specific reason for his absence remains unclear. The absence of two of Messi's teammates, coupled with the chaotic environment, added to the disappointment of the fans.
The situation further deteriorated when Messi was escorted off the pitch a mere 15 to 20 minutes after his arrival due to security concerns. Witnesses stated that Messi appeared "visibly uncomfortable" as the crowd encroached upon him, and his security team, along with teammates Suarez and De Paul, were reportedly unhappy with the rapidly deteriorating environment.
The news of Messi's premature departure sparked outrage among the spectators. Frustrated fans began throwing bottles and plastic chairs onto the pitch, tearing down sponsor banners and hoardings, and attempting to breach barricades to storm the field. The stadium, which had been refurbished for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017, bore the brunt of the public's anger, with makeshift tents torn down, goal posts and nets damaged, and the roof of the players' tunnel broken.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her shock and disappointment at the mismanagement of the event and apologized to Messi and the fans. She announced the formation of a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the incident, determine responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Police have arrested Satadru Datta, the event's prime organizer, for alleged mismanagement. He has been denied bail and sent to 14-days police custody.
The incident has raised serious questions about the preparedness of the city's police and administration to host large-scale events involving high-profile figures. The focus is now on damage control, with the inquiry committee tasked with outlining responsibility for the widespread mismanagement. The repercussions of this event could impact future international sporting events in the region, prompting a re-evaluation of safety protocols and VIP handling procedures.
Despite the turmoil in Kolkata, Messi is expected to continue with his engagements in India, with stricter security measures in place for subsequent appearances. The remaining legs of the "GOAT India Tour 2025" include stops in Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi.
