‘Deeply disturbing’ – Police forced to intervene as Lionel Messi visit descends into chaos

Dec 13, 2025 - 10:45

Lionel Messi’s trip to India turned ugly as thousands of fans staged an unruly protest and forced a police intervention.

The Argentina legend was making an appearance at Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday but left within minutes of arriving.

Chairs flew onto the pitch as organisers lost control of the situation

Messi’s appearance lasted just five minutes and thousands of fans could not see him

Surrounded by security and officials, Messi spent five minutes on a short lap of honour before the event descended into chaos.

Bottles and chairs were thrown in violent scenes as supporters invaded the pitch.

It is understood around 80,000 tickets – some costing more than $100 – were sold for Messi’s appearance as part of the Inter Miami star’s ‘GOAT Tour’ of India.

Organisers have been accused of poor crowd control – with thousands unable to see Messi as VIP guests were given better access.

Footage shows raging fans shouting at officials and causing serious damage to the stadium in Kolkata.

Businessman Nabin Chatterjee said: “For me, to watch Messi is a pleasure, a dream. But I have missed the chance to have a glimpse because of the mismanagement in the stadium.”

Another supporter told local media: “Absolutely terrible event. He came for just 10 minutes.

“All the leaders and ministers surrounded him and we couldn’t see anything.

“So much money, emotions, and time wasted.”

Earlier in the day, Messi had unveiled a 70-foot statue of himself holding the World Cup trophy in Lake Town, South Dum Dum.

Fans invaded the pitch and took their anger out on officials

The stadium was heavily vandalised during the carnage

He was then accompanied by teammates Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suarez during the short and calamitous appearance at Salt Lake Stadium.

Quickly afterwards, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took to social media and issued a damning statement on the carnage.

Banerjee wrote on X: “I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium.

“I was on my way to the stadium to attend the event along with thousands of sports lovers and fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite footballer, Lionel Messi.”

She added: “I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident.”

Eight-time Ballon D’Or winner Messi is scheduled to spend three days in India, where he is hugely popular, appearing for the first time since an international friendly in Kolkata in 2011.