The Kolkata leg of Lionel Messi's "GOAT India Tour" on Saturday, December 13, 2025, was marred by chaos, leading to a controversy involving Messi's security team and a local police official. A video went viral showing Messi's security detail in a heated exchange with a West Bengal police official who attempted to breach the security cordon surrounding the football star at the Salt Lake Stadium. The security team's reaction in the video has been described as visibly annoyed by the police official's behavior.
The incident occurred amidst widespread disorder and mismanagement at the stadium, where thousands of fans had gathered to see Messi. Reports indicate that Messi's appearance was brief, and he was quickly escorted off the field due to security concerns, angering fans who had paid significant sums for tickets. Eyewitness accounts suggest that Messi was immediately swarmed by politicians, officials, celebrities and their families upon entering the field, which along with the overwhelming paparazzi presence, led to extreme congestion around him. This reportedly forced his security team to abandon a planned lap of the stadium.
Frustration among the spectators escalated rapidly, with many unable to catch a glimpse of the Argentine icon. The situation devolved into vandalism, with fans throwing bottles and chairs, damaging sponsor hoardings and fibreglass seats, and attempting to break barricades. Police were forced to deploy the Rapid Action Force to regain control. The early termination of the program meant that several guests, including Shah Rukh Khan, Sourav Ganguly, and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, were unable to participate as scheduled.
In the aftermath, West Bengal authorities have taken action, issuing show-cause notices to top police officials, including Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar and Bidhannagar Commissioner of Police Mukesh Kumar, citing lapses in crowd control, security deployment, and coordination. Bidhannagar DCP Aneesh Sarkar was suspended, and Salt Lake Stadium CEO Debkumar Nandan has been removed. A high-level committee, led by a retired judge and including the Chief and Home Secretaries, has been formed to probe the incident.
The main organiser of the event, Satadru Datta, was detained at Kolkata airport as Messi and his entourage departed for Hyderabad. DGP Rajeev Kumar stated that Datta was detained over alleged mismanagement and had provided written assurance that ticket money would be refunded to disappointed spectators. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologised to Messi and football fans, calling the incident “deeply disturbing”. Sports Minister Aroop Biswas also resigned to ensure an impartial probe into the events.
The incident has raised serious questions about the organization and security arrangements for high-profile events in Kolkata. While an investigation is underway, authorities have promised to hold those responsible accountable for the mismanagement and ensure refunds for ticket holders.
