The highly anticipated Lionel Messi event in Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium on December 13, 2025, as part of his GOAT Tour, descended into chaos, triggering widespread anger and accusations of severe mismanagement. The Argentine superstar's fleeting 20-minute appearance before a packed crowd of approximately 80,000 fans was marred by overcrowding, security breaches, and a blatant disregard for the paying attendees.
Reports indicate that the event suffered from a lack of detailed, minute-to-minute planning, leading to a breakdown in crowd control and access management. As soon as Messi entered the stadium, he was swarmed by over 100 individuals, including politicians, officials, celebrities, and security personnel, all vying for photos and attention. This created a human barricade, obstructing the view for the majority of fans who had paid hefty sums, ranging from Rs 4,000 to Rs 12,000, and even up to Rs 20,000 on the black market, for a glimpse of the football icon.
The prioritization of VIPs over general ticket holders fueled the growing frustration. Many fans complained that they were unable to see Messi at all, despite having purchased expensive tickets. "Only leaders and actors were surrounding Messi. Why did they call us then?" one fan lamented. Another attendee expressed outrage, stating, "He came for just 10 minutes. All the leaders and ministers surrounded him. We couldn't see anything".
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has distanced itself from the event, stating that it was a private event organized by a PR agency and that no clearance was sought from the federation. The AIFF also voiced concern over the poor crowd management and security lapses that led to the chaotic scenes. AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey criticized the event, stating it became a platform for political grandstanding by the West Bengal Sports Minister, overshadowing the sporting aspect.
As frustration boiled over, angry fans resorted to vandalism, ripping out seats, throwing bottles and other objects onto the pitch. Some even attempted to break through gates between stands. The police reported that the situation escalated rapidly, with fans shouting in dissatisfaction and Messi's security team quickly escorting him out of the stadium.
The aftermath of the event has been marred by arrests and investigations. Shatadru Dutta, the event's chief organizer, was arrested and placed in 14-day police custody. The West Bengal government has formed a high-level committee, led by a retired judge, to probe the incident and determine responsibility. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has apologized to Messi and ordered a thorough investigation.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation of the "VIP culture" in India, where preferential treatment for dignitaries often overshadows the experience for ordinary fans. Indian football legend Bhaichung Bhutia criticized the event, stating that "genuine fans did not really get to see Messi" due to the excessive crowding by VIPs.
The Lionel Messi event in Kolkata serves as a stark reminder of the importance of meticulous planning, effective crowd management, and a commitment to prioritizing the experience of all attendees, not just a select few. The incident has cast a shadow over Indian football and raised serious questions about the organization of future international events in the country.
