What was meant to be a once in a lifetime celebration of Lionel Messi in Kolkata spiralled into confusion and anger, leaving fans heartbroken, authorities scrambling, and former captain Bhaichung Bhutia pointing towards a deeper issue that continues to haunt big sporting events in India.
Kolkata Messi event descended into chaos after early exit.
Kolkata: Kolkata had prepared itself for a historic evening as Lionel Messi arrived as part of the GOAT India Tour 2025. Thousands of fans poured into Salt Lake Stadium after paying premium ticket prices and travelling long distances. For many, this was not just a football event but an emotional moment tied to lifelong admiration. However, excitement soon gave way to frustration when Messi exited the venue earlier than expected, triggering unrest among disappointed supporters.
As word spread that Messi had left without making a proper appearance for the crowd, tempers flared inside the stadium. Bottles were thrown, entry gates were pushed, and sections of the venue witnessed vandalism. Fans voiced their anger over poor crowd handling and alleged that influential figures and political guests consumed most of Messi attention, leaving genuine supporters with little more than disappointment.
Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia offered a candid assessment of the situation. According to him, the chaos stemmed not from a lack of intent by organisers but from the overwhelming presence of unwanted VIPs. He explained that such individuals are often difficult to control and end up crowding restricted spaces. As a result, fans who came purely for football felt ignored and upset when they could not even catch a glimpse of the global icon.
Messi Event Chaos in Kolkata: Organizers Held Responsible, Situation Under Control
Bhutia underlined that Messi is almost worshipped in Kolkata and across the country. The city has a deep football culture, and the Argentine legend holds a near mythical status among fans. When nearly eighty thousand people gather with such expectations, even small lapses can snowball into large scale disappointment. Paying high prices and travelling from distant places only amplified the sense of betrayal felt by supporters.
The former captain stressed the importance of learning from this incident. He suggested that future events must be organised with stricter access control and minimal VIP interference. Keeping unnecessary entourages away from the main event could allow organisers to focus on fan experience and safety. According to him, careful planning is the only way to prevent similar situations from repeating.
Chaos Erupts at Kolkata Stadium as Lionel Messi Makes a Short Visit During India Tour
Following the unrest, the state government ordered a formal investigation into the incident. Authorities confirmed that the chief organiser had been arrested and that a case had been registered. Senior police officials assured the public that the situation was now under control and that normalcy had returned to the area surrounding the stadium.
Law enforcement officials also stated that organisers had promised to refund ticket money to disappointed fans. While the process and timeline remain unclear, this assurance offered some comfort to those who felt cheated by the evening events. The investigation continues to determine accountability and prevent future lapses.
After the Kolkata chaos, Messi travelled to Hyderabad under tight security for the next leg of his tour. His schedule includes a much awaited seven a side exhibition match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. The visit will conclude with a grand musical celebration honouring his extraordinary football journey. Prominent political figures have also arrived in the city, adding to the high profile nature of the event.
