Raging Lionel Messi fans hurled chairs and bottles after the football icon appeared briefly at a packed stadium in India, with scenes quickly descending into chaos.
Trouble broke out at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, just minutes after Messi stepped onto the pitch during his GOAT Tour India 2025 appearance. The Inter Miami superstar was on the field for barely five minutes before angry supporters invaded the pitch and unrest erupted in the stands.
Messi was seen alongside Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, heavily guarded by officials and security. He managed a short lap of honour and a brief wave to the crowd before being forced to leave as bottles were thrown from the stands.
Videos circulating online show fans shouting at officials and politicians, vandalising stadium property and clashing with security personnel. Organisers have been accused of serious mismanagement, with claims that VIP access was prioritised while thousands of paying fans were unable to get a clear view.
Businessman Nabin Chatterjee, 37, voiced his frustration:
“For me, to watch Messi is a pleasure, a dream. But I missed the chance to even get a glimpse because of the mismanagement.”
More than 80,000 tickets reportedly sold out within minutes, many priced above $100, underlining Messi’s immense popularity in India.
A visibly angry 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.”
