Thousands of Kolkata fans skipped everything, even weddings, for a glimpse of Messi only to be left frustrated as chaos erupted at Salt Lake Stadium. What went wrong at the GOAT India Tour’s highly anticipated kickoff?
Messi was surrounded by VIPs while fans felt cheated as unrest broke out at the Salt Lake Stadium
Kolkata: Kolkata turned into a scene of chaos on Saturday as Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated GOAT India Tour 2025 kickoff left thousands of fans frustrated. The event, held at Salt Lake Stadium, was marred by poor crowd management, brief visibility of the football superstar, and unrest among spectators.
The excitement for Messi’s return to India after 11 years reached fever pitch, especially in Kolkata, considered the city’s football heartland. Among the attendees was a fan who had skipped his own wedding ceremony to be at the stadium.
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Speaking to reporters, he said: “It’s my wedding day, but I left all the ceremonies to be here. Still, the management was so pathetic that I couldn’t even see him.” Many others shared similar frustration, highlighting the gap between fan expectations and event execution.
Spectators reported difficulty navigating the crowded venue, limited visibility of Messi, and chaotic seating arrangements. The situation worsened when Messi’s appearance lasted only briefly and was largely blocked by VIP sections and security barriers.
West Bengal Police intervened and detained Satadru Dutta, the event organiser, known for bringing football legends like Pele, Diego Maradona, and Cafu to India. Dutta had hoped the GOAT Tour 2025 would become a landmark sporting spectacle, but the Kolkata leg ended in turmoil.
Frustration boiled over when Messi left the stadium earlier than expected. Some fans resorted to vandalism, setting tents and sofas on fire inside the stadium. Police managed to restore order, but the incident caused significant property damage and overshadowed the event.
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Despite the Kolkata chaos, Messi’s GOAT India Tour will continue in three more cities, giving fans another chance to see the football legend live. Organisers have pledged to review crowd management strategies for the upcoming stops to avoid a repeat of the Salt Lake incident.
The Kolkata leg serves as a stark reminder of the massive expectations surrounding superstar appearances and the critical need for meticulous planning. Fans who sacrificed personal milestones, including weddings, are left hoping that the remaining tour stops will deliver the experience they were promised.
