“Bottles Thrown, Fans Angry”: Messi’s Kolkata Event Ends in Chaos | GOAT India Tours 2025

Lionel Messi returned to Kolkata after 14 years and was supposed to be a proud moment, but poor planning and mismanagement turns the whole event in total chaos. GOAT India Tour 2025 was scheduled to start from Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) Stadium in Salt Lake, Kolkata, but the event ended early amid fan anger, poor management and vandalism.

Fans gathered in huge numbers at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) after paying ticket prices ranging from Rs. 4,500 to Rs. 10,000. Many fans travelled from different parts of West Bengal and nearby states, hoping to see the football legend Lionel Messi.

But Things started to go wrong when Messi arrived at the venue around 11:45 AM. Messi is surrounded by politicians, security personnel and VIP guests, which makes it difficult for fans to even spot their football hero.

Messi was expected to spend over an hour interacting with fans in the Kolkata leg of the GOAT India Tour 2025. But Lionel Messi stayed at the venue for less than 20 minutes, which led thousands of fans to be frustrated and angry.

Bottle Thrown and Seat Damaged in Kolkata:

The anger amongst fans turned into chaos, and they started throwing bottles, damaging seats and shouting slogans against the organisers. Fans accused the organisers of “cheating” and “scamming” people who bought expensive tickets to attend the event and witness the football legend for a moment.

One fan said, “I paid Rs. 5,000 and came with my son to see Messi, not politicians. This is a black day for Kolkata Football.”

Many fans complained about the lack of basic facilities; they claimed there was no drinking water, while food and beverages were being sold at very high prices. After the situation worsened, security officials escorted Messi out of the stadium without completing the lap of honour.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Apologised :

After the chaos at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologised to fans and Lionel Messi. She condemned the mismanagement and announced that an inquiry committee would be formed to investigate what went wrong.

She said, “I am deeply disturbed by what happened. I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi and all football lovers for the unfortunate incident.”

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What Happens Next in the GOAT India Tour 2025?

Despite the chaos in Kolkata, Lionel Messi is scheduled to continue the tour as events are planned in Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi for the next two days. Messi has already left for Hyderabad, where a 7v7 match will happen at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in the evening.

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