In India
Superstar Lionel Messi’s performance ends in violence and chaos
Updated 12/13/2025 – 12:56 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
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It was actually supposed to be an event of joy. But instead the mood changed and the fans were annoyed with Lionel Messi.
Football superstar Lionel Messi canceled a stadium tour in India after a short time due to chaotic conditions and riots by angry fans. In Kolkata, the 38-year-old walked through the Salt Lake Stadium as part of his “GOAT Tour”. Thousands of fans had bought tickets to see the Argentine, but they were angry with the organization.
Messi, who is completing the three-day tour with his Inter Miami teammates Rodrigo de Paul and Luis Suárez, moved across the pitch’s tartan track in a large crowd. Due to tight security, spectators struggled to catch a glimpse of him. Many fans stormed the field, others tore the stadium seating from its anchorage and destroyed banners and tents. Water bottles were also thrown towards the field. Messi left the stadium earlier than expected.
The fans were particularly angry because of the high ticket prices. A supporter told news agency ANI, according to Spiegel, “Only executives and actors surrounded Messi. We bought a ticket for 12,000 rupees (about 113 euros) but we couldn’t even see his face.”
The state’s chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, wrote on platform She added that she had ordered an investigation into the incident. She was “sad” and “shocked”.
Javed Shamim, a senior police official in the state, told reporters that the “main organizer” of the event had been arrested. He didn’t give any details.
Before the chaos broke out, Messi had unveiled a 21-meter-high statue of him with the World Cup in his hands. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is expected in the cities of Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi in the coming days. According to the Indian Times, Messi is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Indian capital.