Football legend Lionel Messi’s much-awaited stadium tour in Kolkata ended abruptly on December 13, 2025, after chaos broke out among fans. Messi had arrived as part of his India visit, but his appearance at the stadium lasted less than 20 minutes due to serious security concerns.
According to reports, frustration grew among fans when they were unable to get a clear view of Messi during his planned lap of honour. As emotions ran high, some fans began throwing bottles and chairs inside the stadium. The situation quickly turned uncontrollable, with several canopies and advertising hoardings damaged as people rushed toward the pitch.
Security officials acted immediately and escorted Messi out of the stadium within about ten minutes of his arrival to prevent any harm. Videos of the incident soon spread on social media, showing the scale of the disturbance and the disappointment of fans who had waited hours to see the football icon.
Authorities later arrested the main event organiser, citing poor planning and mismanagement. Officials admitted that crowd control measures were insufficient for an event of this scale. Ticket holders were assured that refunds would be provided to those affected.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also addressed the incident and issued a public apology. She expressed regret over the chaotic scenes and said the situation could have been avoided with better organisation and coordination.
Despite the unfortunate incident, Messi’s popularity in India remains strong. Fans and officials alike hope that future international sports events will be managed more carefully to ensure safety and a positive experience for everyone involved.
