Kolkata: Chaos Erupts at Salt Lake Stadium During Lionel Messi’s Brief Visit to
Kolkata: The much-awaited arrival of football legend Lionel Messi in Kolkata turned into a disappointing experience for thousands of fans on December 13, 2025, as poor event organization led to widespread frustration and unrest at the iconic Vivekananda Yuvabharati Krirangan, commonly known as Salt Lake Stadium. What was meant to be a celebratory moment during the opening leg of Messi’s GOAT India Tour quickly spiraled into chaos, prompting an immediate response from West Bengal authorities and drawing sharp criticism from opposition parties.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Expresses Shock and Issues Apology
In the aftermath of the incident, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took to social media to voice her concern over the handling of the event. She described herself as deeply disturbed by the reports of disorder that surfaced while she was en route to the venue with countless enthusiasts eager to see the Argentine superstar. Extending a personal apology, she addressed both the World Cup winner and the disappointed supporters, acknowledging the unfortunate turn of events that marred what should have been a memorable occasion for football lovers across the region.
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To address the lapses, Banerjee announced the formation of a dedicated inquiry panel. Led by retired Calcutta High Court judge Justice Ashim Kumar Ray, the committee includes the state’s Chief Secretary and Additional Chief Secretary for Home and Hill Affairs. This group has been entrusted with a thorough investigation to identify those responsible and propose steps to ensure such situations do not recur at major public gatherings.
Opposition BJP Criticizes Trinamool Congress Government
The Bharatiya Janata Party wasted no time in targeting the ruling Trinamool Congress, labeling the episode as a clear sign of administrative failure that has impacted Bengal’s rich association with the sport. Leaders highlighted how the city, long celebrated as a hub for football passion, suffered embarrassment on a global stage with the visit of a player of Messi’s caliber.
References to classic Bengali cinema and songs underscoring the state’s love for the game were invoked to underscore the alleged decline in cultural heritage under the current administration. Prominent BJP figures accused the event of being politically motivated, linked to recent tributes like a massive statue unveiling, and claimed that high ticket prices left many feeling deceived when the main attraction lasted only minutes.
Fans React to Short Appearance and Security Issues
The trouble began shortly after Messi made his entrance at the stadium, accompanied by heavy security. Expectations were high for interactions, a friendly match segment, and photo opportunities, but the program ended abruptly in under ten minutes due to rising tensions. Attendees who had invested significantly in tickets expressed outrage over limited visibility, with many unable to get a proper view amid crowds of dignitaries and celebrities on the field.
Witness accounts described escalating frustration leading to thrown objects, damaged seating, and torn banners. Security teams acted swiftly to escort Messi and other guests to safety, averting potential larger incidents. Social media soon flooded with videos capturing the unrest, contrasting sharply with the joyous airport welcome Messi received upon landing in the early hours.
Messi’s Visit Cut Short Ahead of Next Stops
Kolkata marked the starting point of Messi’s multi-city India journey, which includes stops in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi over the following days. Prior to the stadium event, he participated in a virtual unveiling of a towering 70-foot statue erected in his honor at a local sporting club, joined remotely by figures from entertainment and politics.
Planned meetings with notable personalities, including former cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, were disrupted by the developments. With security concerns prioritized, the football icon departed earlier than scheduled for his next destination, leaving behind a mix of disappointment and calls for better planning in future high-profile visits.
This episode has sparked broader discussions on managing large-scale events involving international stars, especially in venues with deep historical ties to sports. As investigations proceed, the focus remains on restoring confidence among fans who turned out in massive numbers to celebrate one of the greatest players in football history.