Chaos at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium During Lionel Messi Visit; Fans Protest, Enquiry Ordered
Kolkata | December 13, 2025: What was supposed to be a historic celebration for Indian football turned into chaos and outrage on Friday evening, as violent protests erupted at Kolkata’s iconic Salt Lake Stadium following a brief appearance by global football legend Lionel Messi.
According to ANI, Messi remained at the venue for barely 10–20 minutes before exiting, interacting largely with VIP guests while thousands of ticket-holding fans failed to catch even a glimpse of the Argentine superstar. The situation quickly spiraled out of control as frustrated supporters began throwing bottles, breaking plastic chairs, and vandalising parts of the stadium.
Security forces struggled to contain the unrest as the crowd vented anger over what they described as “gross mismanagement” and restricted public access.
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Anger Explodes Inside Stadium
Chaos erupted at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium as angry fans hurled bottles and chairs from the stands. Legendary footballer Lionel Messi has left the stadium. More details are awaited
— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2025
Source: ANI #LionelMessi #Messi #MessiInIndia #Kolkata
Several fans claimed they had waited for hours and paid between ₹8,000 and ₹12,000 for tickets. The disappointment intensified when word spread that Messi had already left the ground, triggering widespread frustration.
Videos circulating on social media showed fans breaking chairs, damaging hoardings, and storming restricted areas, raising serious questions about event planning and crowd control.
Second Wave of Vandalism
Chaos erupted at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium as angry fans hurled bottles and chairs from the stands. Legendary footballer Lionel Messi has left the stadium. More details are awaited
— WION (@WIONews) December 13, 2025
Source: ANI
As police tightened security, large sections of the stadium were cleared. The event, which was expected to showcase India’s growing football culture, instead exposed serious administrative lapses.
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Mamata Banerjee Orders Enquiry, Issues Apology
#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal: Angry fans resort to vandalism at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, alleging poor management of the event.
— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2025
Star footballer Lionel Messi has left the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
Source: ANI
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued a formal apology to Lionel Messi and the fans, expressing shock over the mismanagement. She announced an enquiry committee headed by Justice (Retd.) Ashim Kumar Ray to investigate the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend preventive measures.
Officials confirmed that the findings would be submitted urgently to ensure such incidents do not recur at international sporting events hosted in India.
A Black Day for Indian Football
Football experts and fans alike termed the episode one of the most embarrassing moments in Indian football history. Hosting a global icon like Messi was expected to elevate India’s sporting image, but the chaos has instead sparked concerns over governance, crowd safety, and international credibility.
As investigations continue, the incident stands as a cautionary tale on the importance of professional event management—especially when the world is watching.
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