Lionel Messi’s much awaited India tour began on a chaotic note in Kolkata. What was meant to be a grand celebration at Salt Lake Stadium quickly turned into confusion, angry scenes, and police intervention due to poor planning.
The GOAT India Tour 2025 had promised fans a memorable experience. Instead, the event left many disappointed, forcing authorities to step in to control the situation.
Fans Upset Over Short Appearance
Fans paid between Rs 5,000 and Rs 15,000 expecting a close glimpse of Lionel Messi. However, he appeared on the field only for a few minutes before being escorted away.
Many attendees felt misled and expressed frustration over the brief appearance. The mood at the stadium changed rapidly once it became clear Messi would not return.
Organiser Detained by Police
West Bengal’s top police officer, Rajeev Kumar, confirmed that organiser Satadru Dutta was detained following the incident. Police acted to prevent the situation from escalating further.
Kumar stated that an investigation is underway. He also confirmed that organisers have promised refunds to fans in writing.
Police Probe Into Event Planning
Inspector General Javed Shamim said it was too early to assign blame. He added that police are examining lapses related to planning, security, and crowd management.
Authorities are focusing on understanding how the situation spiralled despite heavy security presence.
Security Concerns Around Messi
Messi’s planned lap around the stadium barely took place. The ground was crowded with politicians, VIPs, and media personnel, leaving little space for movement.
Due to security concerns, Messi’s team decided to remove him from the field quickly. This decision further upset fans waiting in the stands.
Protests and Stadium Unrest
Once fans realised Messi would not return, protests broke out. Some premium ticket holders began shouting, throwing bottles, and damaging signboards.
Security personnel intervened again to calm the situation. Videos of the unrest soon began circulating on social media.
What Lies Ahead for the Tour
Messi was later escorted out under tight security. The excitement surrounding his Kolkata visit was replaced by anger and disappointment.
Kolkata was the first stop of the tour, with Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi scheduled next. While police say the situation is now under control, fans are demanding clarity on refunds and accountability.
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