What was billed as a dream-come-true moment for football fans in Kolkata spiralled into disorder and disappointment as Lionel Messi briefly set foot on the turf of the Yuba Bharati Krirangan, better known as Salt Lake Stadium, in Bidhannagar. Fans took to vandalism as disorder swept through the venue and Messi left after briefly stepping in the stadium. The police also resorted to lathi charge to control the spiraling law and order problem.
The Argentine icon arrived alongside Inter Miami teammates Rodrigo de Paul and Luis Suárez, triggering scenes of unrestrained frenzy. Police personnel, cameramen and pitch invaders converged on the field in a desperate scramble for a glimpse of the world’s most celebrated footballer.
Amid the chaos, organisers could be heard repeatedly pleading, “Please give him space, please vacate the field,” to little effect.
Messi entered the stadium during the second half of the Mohun Bagan vs Diamond Harbour match. The moment his Audi rolled onto the field, anyone with access to the turf surged towards the vehicle. Dressed in black and tightly ringed by security, Messi struggled to move freely as the crowd swelled by the minute. Despite spending over 15 minutes on the ground, the organisers failed to clear a viewing corridor, leaving thousands of ticket-holders, many of whom paid up to Rs 10,000, without a clear sight of their idol.
Event organiser Satadru Dutta and West Bengal sports minister Aroop Biswas accompanied Messi, attempting to manage the situation and offer fans at least a fleeting view. Their efforts, however, were overwhelmed by the sheer lack of crowd control.
At 5’7”, Messi was barely visible even from the press box, while photographers were left guessing where exactly the GOAT was amid the human crush. The chaos was compounded by the fact that the star footballer was seen accompanied by a swarm of ministers and VVIPs, leaving fans who paid thousands to see their favorite soccer player angry and disenchanted.
What began with deafening chants of “Messi, Messi” soon gave way to loud boos as frustration mounted over the apparent mismanagement. The mood turned openly hostile when Messi, still encircled by his entourage, was escorted back to his car just 22 minutes after entering the stadium. As he departed, fans roared “We want Messi,” anger spilling over into chaos.
Police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the crowd as tempers flared. Following Messi’s exit, irate fans hurled plastic bottles and debris onto the ground, venting their fury at what they saw as a betrayal of expectations. Many left the stadium without ever laying eyes on the football legend they had paid dearly to see.
Adding to the backlash, critics accused sports minister Arup Biswas of hijacking the event, a charge that further fuelled public outrage. What should have been a historic, celebratory occasion instead became a cautionary tale of poor planning, shattered hopes and a city left asking how a moment of sporting magic was reduced to a spectacle of shame.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee took to X to apologise for the mismanagement at the event. “I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium. I was on my way to the stadium to attend the event along with thousands of sports lovers and fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite footballer, Lionel Messi,” she tweeted.
She further added, “I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident.”
I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium. I was on my way to the stadium to attend the event along with thousands of sports lovers and fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite footballer, Lionel Messi.
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 13, 2025
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Ms Banerjee announced an enquiry committee under the chairmanship of Justice (Retd.) Ashim Kumar Ray, with the Chief Secretary and the Additional Chief Secretary, Home and Hill Affairs Department, as members to conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
