Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated comeback to India sparked both jubilation and disorder in Kolkata on Saturday, as unruly crowds at the Salt Lake Stadium compelled the football icon to exit the venue only 20 minutes after he arrived.
What started as a momentous return for the World Cup-winning Argentine icon soon became chaotic, with bottles hurled from the stands, seats damaged, and security struggling to manage the overwhelming excitement of the fans.
Lionel Messi’s Return After 14 Years Sparks Massive Frenzy
Lionel Messi arrived in Kolkata late Friday night, marking his first visit to India since 2011. From early Saturday morning, fans flooded key city locations hoping to catch a glimpse of the global icon, reflecting his enduring popularity in West Bengal and across the country.
The excitement around Messi’s GOAT Tour India 2025 transformed the city into a carnival-like atmosphere, with unprecedented crowds gathering to witness the footballing great.
70-Foot Lionel Messi Statue Unveiled in Lake Town
Earlier in the day, Lionel Messi virtually unveiled a 70-foot iron statue at the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town, South Dum Dum. The statue depicts Messi holding the FIFA World Cup trophy and was completed in just 40 days as a tribute to his legendary career.
West Bengal Minister and Sree Bhumi Sporting Club President Sujit Bose confirmed that Messi had given his consent for the statue and expressed happiness over the installation. According to Bose, Messi and his team were delighted with the tribute.
Messi Meets Shah Rukh Khan During Kolkata Visit
Adding star power to the occasion, Lionel Messi met Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who was accompanied by his son Abram. The meeting of two global icons further heightened public excitement around Messi’s visit.
Chaos Erupts as Lionel Messi Enters Salt Lake Stadium
Lionel Messi arrived at Salt Lake Stadium at around 11:30 AM under heavy security. However, the arrangements failed to contain the swelling crowd as fans attempted to breach stadium gates in a bid to get closer to the football legend.
Moments after Messi emerged from the tunnel, the situation spiralled out of control. Bottles were hurled from the stands, banners were vandalised, and fibreglass seats were damaged as frustration among spectators grew.
Lionel Messi Forced to Leave Stadium After 20 Minutes
Amid escalating security concerns, Lionel Messi was whisked away by security personnel and GOAT Tour organiser Shatadru Datta after spending only around 20 minutes inside the stadium.
Police intervened as they struggled to control the unruly crowd. Fans who had paid between Rs 4,500 and Rs 10,000 for tickets vented their anger by throwing bottles and damaging stadium property.
Political One-Upmanship Adds to Disorder
The chaos intensified when supporters of the ruling Trinamool Congress breached security and entered the field of play. Due to the sudden disruption, the event was cut short, preventing several prominent personalities from participating.
Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, former India captain Sourav Ganguly, and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee were unable to be part of the programme.
Celebration and Disorder Characterize Lionel Messi’s Kolkata Trip
The disturbance at Salt Lake Stadium revealed significant crowd control issues, while Lionel Messi’s appearance highlighted the remarkable loyalty he inspires in Indian football supporters.
The inauguration of a grand statue and the intense atmosphere at the stadium illustrated a day in Kolkata that highlighted the strength and unpredictability of Messi’s worldwide charm.
Why This Tale is Significant
Lionel Messi’s trip to Kolkata serves as a reminder of how sports legends can spark unparalleled enthusiasm, while also emphasizing the necessity for better crowd management during large-scale events.