Lionel Messi’s much anticipated trip to India on December 13, 2025, caused pandemonium at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan stadium. Fans stormed onto the field in riots as they breached the stadium’s defenses. Messi was initially scheduled to appear with fans for 45 minutes. Due to the turmoil, he was forced to leave the stadium after only 20 minutes. The concert was one of many stops on a tour that featured concerts and youth football clinics across multiple countries. It included a padel tournament and charity projects in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi.
Messi’s day started with the online installation of a 70-foot tall statue of himself in Kolkata. He was planning to be present at the inaugural game of the Salt Lake stadium. Tickets to the innovation event were priced between 3,500 rupees (around $38.65) and $130. Given his presence, thousands of fans flocked to see the football legend. As tensions rose, fans began tearing seats out and throwing them onto the field. This disorganization led many people to jump over the fence that enclosed the playing surface.
After the fan unrest, the new state law prompted local leaders to act within 24 hours. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called for an expression of contrition at the incident and extended an apology to Messi. Secondly, she ordered a DOJ investigation into the gross mismanagement that led to the unrest in the first place.
“I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake stadium,” – Mamata Banerjee
The pandemonium threw Messi’s plans out of whack in a major way. It raised alarms about violence and crowd management at sporting events in the area. Eyewitness Eddie Lal Hmangaihzuala recounted the atmosphere during Messi’s brief appearance, stating, “Messi left quickly, I think he felt unsafe. I hardly got a glimpse of him.”
In reaction to the painted protest, local police arrested event organizer Satadru Dutta. He continued to be actively involved in the planning and orchestration of the event. The unrest has gained notoriety as it mirrors past soccer riots at the Salt Lake stadium. This features a devastating fan riot that erupted during a Kolkata derby match in 2012.
A source close to the situation, Bhallas Congressional staffer Rajeev Kumar, told us that organizers have already committed to refunding tickets. In light of what transpired surrounding the event, we make this decision in order to…
“He has already pledged in writing that tickets sold for the event should be refunded,” – Rajeev Kumar
Messi, who captained Argentina in a friendly against Venezuela played at this very stadium in 2011, made his second trip. On this occasion, he had the support of his Inter Miami teammates, Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suarez. The disappointment felt by fans and officials alike highlights the need for improved management and safety protocols at high-profile events.
