- By Shibra Arshad
- Sat, 13 Dec 2025 02:47 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Lionel Messi Kolkata Visit Chaos: After failing to catch even a glimpse of the football superstar, Lionel Messi, angry fans lost their cool and hurled water bottles, chairs, and ran a riot at the Yubha Bharati Krirangan Stadium in Kolkata's Salt Lake.
The 22-minute appearance of Messi during the Argentine footballer's GOAT India Tour on Saturday morning angered fans and turned the event into a nightmare.
The event was cut short after the mob went out of control as Messi appeared from the tunnel. Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, former India captain Sourav Ganguly and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who were scheduled to take part in the programme, were not able to take part as the event turned into chaos.
What Viral Videos From Messi’s Event Show
In one of the viral videos, angry fans can be seen throwing chairs onto the ground and tearing down event posters hanging from the pavilion balcony.
#MessiInIndia
— Uttam Raghab (@jnrVENOM) December 13, 2025
Messi came for 5 minutes and went back
People turning violent in Salt Lake stadium
Throwing bottles,belt, chairs and breaking hoarding.#Messi𓃵 #goattourindia pic.twitter.com/RsURsDuo1c
In another viral video, fans are seen throwing bottles at a politician, who was being escorted out of the stadium after chaos emerged due to Lionel Messi leaving the ground after what is called, blink-and-miss appearance.
The third video also repeated the same story, an angry mob can be seen hurling bottles, chairs and even belts onto the stadium ground, while deployed police personnel gesture frantically to calm the crowd.
Fans boo officials and politicians, with bottles also thrown, as a security breach forces Lionel Messi to cut short his stadium lap at Salt Lake Stadium. pic.twitter.com/uS9qU8F74v
— Khel Now (@KhelNow) December 13, 2025
After the situation spiralled out of control, promoter Shatadru Datta, organiser of the 'GOAT Tour', along with security personnel, rescued Messi out of the stadium.
What Happened At Lionel Messi’s Event
Messi arrived in the middle of the pitch after the exhibition match between Mohun Bagan ‘Messi’ All Stars and Diamond Harbour ‘Messi’ All Stars concluded.
After meeting the players, Messi greeted fans with his hands in the air. While the Argentine footballer was surrounded by the security guards, some VVIP attendees and politicians tried to breach the security circle for selfies and an autograph from the legendary footballer.
The short appearance of the legendary footballer, lasting barely 20-22 minutes, angered fans who had paid a hefty amount to see Messi.
