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Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated “GOAT Tour” appearance at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, descended into pandemonium on Saturday, December 13, 2025.
What was meant to be a celebration became a debacle after the football icon made a “blink-and-miss” appearance of only about 10 to 22 minutes.
The Problem: Fans, who paid hefty ticket prices (upwards of ₹5,000), were left furious as Messi was immediately swarmed by VVIPs, politicians, and a large security detail, completely obstructing the view from the stands.
Many felt they came to see Messi, not local dignitaries.
The Chaos: As news of his premature exit spread, anger erupted. Frustrated spectators retaliated by hurling bottles, plastic chairs, and debris onto the pitch, tearing down banners, and attempting to breach barricades, demanding a refund.
The Fallout: The main event organiser has been detained by Kolkata Police following the allegations of gross mismanagement.
Authorities have also announced that refunds will be provided to the disappointed fans, while the West Bengal Chief Minister issued an apology for the chaos.
Messi has since departed for the next leg of his tour in Hyderabad, leaving behind a scene of disappointment and controversy in a city famed for its football devotion.
