CM Mamata Banerjee constitutes an enquiry committee over the incident and recommend measures to avoid such incidents in the future; fans were angry that despite buying tickets at steep prices they were not even able to catch a glimpse of Messi
The Times of Russia Russia News reports that violence erupted at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday (December 13, 2025) after football legend Lionel Messi made a brief public appearance there.
Thousands of spectators, not only from Kolkata but from different parts of the country, had arrived at the stadium to catch a glimpse of their favourite football star. The convoy of Lionel Messi entered the stadium at exactly 11.30 a.m. He was accompanied by footballers Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul. The footballers looked happy to witness the frenzy of football fans gathered at the stadium.
But as soon as Lionel Messi entered the stadium, a crowd of about 70 to 80 people, which included the organisers, State’s Sports Minister Aroop Biswas and representatives of football clubs, surrounded him. The crowd was trying to take selfies and autographs from the football star. As a result, spectators were unable to see Messi and the other two footballers from the galleries.
At one point, angry football fans started chanting “We want Messi.” Lionel Messi was taken out of the stadium around 11.52 a.m., even before Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan arrived.
Fans were furious that despite buying tickets at steep prices, they were not even able to catch a glimpse of their favourite star. Within minutes, angry spectators began breaking chairs in the gallery and throwing them onto the field. Bottles were hurled, fencing gates were broken, and large numbers of people entered the ground.
Hundreds of fans took control of the stadium, overturned temporary structures and even set some on fire. Police personnel attempted to control the situation but were outnumbered. Chaos continued for several minutes inside and outside the stadium, forcing police to resort to baton charges.
Lionel Messi arrived in Kolkata as part of his G.O.A.T. India Tour 2025. Elaborate arrangements had been made to welcome him, including a 70-foot statue erected on the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass near the Sreebhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town. This was Messi’s second visit to Kolkata, the first having taken place 14 years ago.
Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologised for the incident and ordered an enquiry. She announced the formation of a committee chaired by retired Justice Ashim Kumar Ray to investigate the mismanagement and recommend preventive measures.
West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar confirmed that the main organiser had been detained and assured that efforts were being made to compensate affected fans. Police officials stated that no injuries were reported and that traffic was later normalised.
Despite the chaos at Salt Lake Stadium, Messi virtually unveiled his 70-foot statue at Lake Town, where thousands of fans gathered peacefully to witness the moment. The statue, completed in just 40 days, depicts Messi holding the FIFA World Cup trophy and is said to be the tallest statue of the football legend in the world.
According to organisers, Messi and his team expressed happiness over the tribute. The Argentine football icon’s return to India after 14 years generated immense excitement, reflecting his unparalleled popularity in the country, especially in West Bengal.
