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🐐 Messi Mania and Mismanagement: Kolkata Kicks Off the GOAT India Tour Amid Chaos
Kolkata, December 13, 2025 — Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated return to Kolkata after 14 years has triggered an emotional, yet controversial, start to his four-city “GOAT India Tour 2025.” While the city was engulfed in ‘Messi Mania,’ with fans braving the cold for a glimpse of the Argentine superstar, the main event at the Salt Lake Stadium was quickly overshadowed by reports of disappointment and chaos among ticket holders.
✈️ GOAT India Tour: A Midnight Frenzy and High Security
Messi, accompanied by former teammate Luis Suárez and Argentina’s Rodrigo De Paul, landed in Kolkata in the early hours of Saturday morning. Thousands of sleepless fans had gathered at the airport, turning the international arrivals gate into a sea of sky-blue jerseys and chanting crowds.
However, security was extremely tight. The star was quickly escorted via a VIP exit to his hotel, the Hyatt Regency, missing the hundreds of supporters who had waited all night. Fans continued to throng the hotel lobby, reflecting the intense adoration for the World Cup winner.
Superfan Devotion: The frenzy was epitomized by one couple who reportedly canceled their honeymoon plans to attend the event, declaring that watching the “GOAT player is a more important event” than their holiday.
🏟️ Salt Lake Event Ends in Turmoil
The main public event at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium), which hosted the star’s 2011 friendly match, was intended to be the highlight of the Kolkata leg. The schedule included a friendly exhibition match, a “Master Class with Messi,” and a felicitation ceremony featuring Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
However, the event descended into disorder:
- Blink-and-Miss Appearance: Messi’s time on the pitch was reportedly brief, with some reports suggesting he was escorted out early, well before some invited dignitaries arrived.
- VIP Barricade: Fans who had purchased tickets complained bitterly that they could not get a clear view of the footballer, who remained constantly surrounded by security, organizers, and VIPs throughout his brief lap of honor.
- Frustrated Outburst: The disappointment turned to anger as Messi left the stadium. Bottles were reportedly thrown onto the field, and frustrated spectators vandalized seats and banners, leading to a chaotic situation that highlighted significant security and organizational lapses. Fans demanded a refund, citing “absolute disgrace” and “total mismanagement.”
🗽 Virtual Unveiling of a Global Tribute
Despite the stadium turmoil, Messi’s visit also saw a successful, albeit virtual, celebration of his legacy.
- 70-Foot Statue: Messi virtually unveiled a towering 70-foot iron statue of himself at the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town. The statue, depicting the footballer holding the FIFA World Cup trophy, was constructed in just 40 days as a global tribute to his achievement. The event organizer confirmed that Messi and his management were happy with the installation.
➡️ Next Stop: Hyderabad
The Kolkata leg of the tour concluded rapidly, with Messi scheduled to depart for Hyderabad on Saturday afternoon. There, he is slated for an evening event at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, which includes an exhibition match and a musical concert. The tour will continue to Mumbai and New Delhi over the next two days.
Also, read Messi in Kolkata: A Dream Come True for Fans
