Lionel Messi IndiaTour 2025: World Cup winner’s Kolkata event sparks chaos as fans shout 'total scam' after his 20 minute appearance, break chairs and throw bottles

Nillohit Bagchi | Dec 13, 2025, 13:24 IST

( Image credit : Sony LIV | Messi’s Kolkata appearance lasted only twenty minutes and furious fans called the event a scam )

LZionel Messi’s Kolkata appearance lasted only twenty minutes and furious fans called the event a 'scam'.

Lionel Messi’s long awaited return to Kolkata was expected to be a historic moment for Indian football fans but the excitement quickly collapsed into anger and chaos. Thousands had filled Salt Lake Stadium for the opening leg of the GOAT Tour hoping for a close and memorable interaction with the Argentine legend.

Instead, Messi spent barely twenty minutes on the field before leaving, surrounded by heavy security and VIPs who blocked most views. The crowd felt misled and soon frustration turned explosive. Bottles were thrown, chairs were broken and organiser Satadru Dutta faced a storm of public criticism as anger swept through both the stadium and social media.

A grand welcome collapses within minutes

Messi arrived at Salt Lake Stadium to deafening cheers, music and tears of joy. Fans had waited for hours in the heat hoping for a long interaction. The energy felt like a festival. But the joy did not last. After a quick wave, a few greetings and a short walk around the field, Messi was escorted out.

( Image credit : X/@footballfreak420 | Messi arrived at Salt Lake Stadium to deafening cheers, music and tears of joy )

One fan shouted, “He came for only ten minutes. What was the point of buying tickets?”. Another posted, “We could not even see him. The VIPs stood everywhere.”

THE BLACK DAY IN THE HISTORY OF INDIAN FOOTBALL 🚨

Kolkata Saltlake Stadium is practically turning into ruins.. Today may be the darkest day in the history of Indian football...😭🐐🥶India tour.#MessiInIndia #Messi #GOATTourIndia #GOAT #FCBarcelona pic.twitter.com/zsMJxK8HwY

— CR7🚩 (@speeeeddddddd) December 13, 2025

Security wall blocks fans from seeing Messi

A large ring of guards and officials surrounded Messi the entire time. Many fans said their view was completely blocked by politicians, organisers and VIP guests.

Angry Messi fans, scammed by the management and state machinery, are damaging the stadium.

This isn’t good for Bengal or India, no matter what, peace should be maintained.

I’m not on the ground, video collected from FB.

Follow me for every update on the GOAT’s India tour. pic.twitter.com/VC7rPgheXL

— Arjya : ) (@ArjyaNeel) December 13, 2025

Some supporters in the stands grew restless as Messi moved away from the field almost as soon as he arrived. One user wrote online, “This was not an event. This was a photo op for VIPs only.”

Anger explodes: bottles thrown, chairs broken and barricades damaged

Within minutes of Messi’s departure chaos spread across the stadium. Fans who had paid between three thousand and twelve thousand rupees began throwing plastic bottles onto the pitch. Chairs were ripped out and hurled. Barricades separating stands were kicked and broken.

( Image credit : X/@debotrighose_23 | Within minutes of Messi’s departure chaos spread across the stadium )

Videos showed supporters shouting “refund” while others accused the organisers of misleading the public. A fan yelling near the tunnel said, “We spent money for nothing. It felt like a scam.”

Fans didn't get a proper glimpse of Leo for even a second. All the sinners and VIPs gathered around him, he wasn't even there for half an hour? Fans are furious and are tearing down hoardings and throwing bottles.India tour.#MessiInIndia #Messi #GOATTourIndia #GOAT #FCBarcelona pic.twitter.com/esiLGeqLTZ

— Cric_Mehul (@enigmaanews23) December 13, 2025

Please share this video as much as you can this is the reality of messi tour of Kolkata pic.twitter.com/mryJvplBiZ

— DD.Heckler (@FCB_Heckler) December 13, 2025

Event promoter Satadru Dutta who organised the entire GOAT Tour faced the strongest backlash. One fan wrote, “Absolutely terrible. Management was horrible. We want our money back.” Another said. “All leaders surrounded Messi and Dutta did nothing. This was a scam event. Kolkata deserved better.” The promises of extended interactions, celebratory activities and a special unforgettable moment were shattered within minutes.

Lionel Messi moves on as Kolkata deals with disappointment

After the short visit Messi left for Hyderabad the next stop on his India tour. His schedule includes sponsored events, celebrity meetings and public appearances in multiple cities. But in Kolkata many fans felt robbed of a once in a lifetime moment.

( Image credit : X/@rajmukherjeee_105 | Saturday’s chaos showed how quickly passion can turn into frustration when expectations are not met )

Even though Messi’s global popularity remains untouched the chaotic scenes raised serious questions about planning crowd control and the priorities of the organisers.

The love for Messi in Kolkata is unquestionable. Thousands lined the airport and his hotel just for a glimpse. Yet Saturday’s chaos showed how quickly passion can turn into frustration when expectations are not met. A supporter summed it up online, “It was supposed to be a dream. It became a mess.”

Lionel Messi India Tour 2025: World Cup winner’s Kolkata event sparks chaos as fans shout 'total scam' after his 20 minute appearance, break chairs and throw bottles

A grand welcome collapses within minutes

Security wall blocks fans from seeing Messi

Anger explodes: bottles thrown, chairs broken and barricades damaged

Lionel Messi moves on as Kolkata deals with disappointment

Lionel Messi IndiaTour 2025: World Cup winner’s Kolkata event sparks chaos as fans shout 'total scam' after his 20 minute appearance, break chairs and throw bottles