Lionel Messi Kolkata chaos: Overcrowding, Mismanagement and Fan Anger Mar Historic Salt Lake Stadium Event

Lionel Messi Kolkata chaos became the defining headline of what was supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime celebration for football fans in the City of Joy on December 13. Instead of witnessing their hero up close, thousands of ticket-holding supporters left Salt Lake Stadium disappointed and angry as mismanagement, overcrowding, and security lapses derailed the event within minutes of Messi’s arrival.

What was meant to be a historic day

Lionel Messi’s first stop of the GOAT India Tour in Kolkata was expected to be a grand celebration of football. Fans paid premium ticket prices ranging from ₹4,500 to ₹10,000 with hopes of seeing the Argentine legend interact, perform basic football drills, or at least complete a full lap of honour inside the iconic Salt Lake Stadium.

The stadium had been equipped with giant screens and temporary infrastructure, while an exhibition match featuring Mohun Bagan ‘Messi’ All Stars and Diamond Harbour ‘Messi’ All Stars was organised to entertain the crowd ahead of Messi’s arrival.

Overcrowding leaves Messi visibly uncomfortable

According to former India international footballer Lalkamal Bhowmick, who participated in the exhibition match, the situation began deteriorating almost immediately after Messi stepped onto the field.

Initially relaxed and smiling, Messi greeted players, signed autographs, and shook hands. However, within minutes, politicians, VVIPs, organisers, and security personnel crowded around him for photographs and selfies. The lack of a controlled movement plan resulted in Messi being boxed in, unable to walk freely.

Bhowmick later told Bharat Details that the overwhelming crowd made Messi visibly uncomfortable. Continuous attempts to approach him disrupted the flow of the programme, while cameras struggled to capture him clearly on the stadium’s large screens.

Fans fail to get a clear glimpse

Despite repeated announcements and attempts by authorities to clear pathways, the crowd congestion worsened. Messi’s lap of honour could not be executed properly, leaving large sections of the stadium without a clear view.

Planned segments such as the felicitation of Bengal’s Santosh Trophy-winning team and a “Master Class with Messi” for children were either rushed or abandoned altogether due to security concerns.

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Messi leaves early, chaos erupts

Messi remained inside the stadium for less than 30 minutes before being escorted out under heavy security. His early departure triggered anger among fans, many of whom had waited for hours.

Soon after, sections of the crowd began hurling bottles, tearing posters, damaging fibreglass seats, and vandalising temporary structures inside the stadium. Police forces, including the Rapid Action Force, were deployed to control the situation as slogans and boos echoed across the venue.

Security lapse and heated discussions

Reports from the ground indicated a heated exchange between Team Messi and event organisers. Despite efforts by senior officials, including state ministers and top police officers, Messi’s team decided not to continue the programme, citing safety concerns.

Former India internationals present at the venue stated that a celebratory open-jeep lap around the stadium could have ensured visibility for fans, but the plan was never executed due to poor coordination.

Political and official response

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose sought a detailed report from the state government after receiving complaints from football fans who felt cheated. He questioned why common people were made to pay high ticket prices without receiving the promised experience.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee later issued a public apology to Lionel Messi and the fans, expressing shock over the mismanagement. She announced the formation of an enquiry committee headed by a retired High Court judge to investigate lapses in planning, security, and crowd control.

Celebrities cut short appearances

Several prominent personalities, including Shah Rukh Khan and Sourav Ganguly, were scheduled to attend the event. However, due to the deteriorating situation, their presence was either brief or cancelled altogether, further adding to public disappointment.

Hyderabad leg stands in contrast

In contrast, Messi’s Hyderabad appearance later in the tour proceeded smoothly. The Argentine star interacted with fans, participated in penalty shootouts, and thanked the crowd, highlighting how effective planning can significantly impact such high-profile events.

The Lionel Messi Kolkata chaos stands as a reminder that star power alone cannot compensate for poor planning and crowd management. For thousands of fans, the day ended in frustration rather than celebration. With an official enquiry underway, accountability for the missteps at Salt Lake Stadium is now under close scrutiny, as fans hope lessons are learned before future international sporting events in India.