Messi Mania Turns Violent: Fans Erupt In Anger After Short Cameo In India

Supporters who paid up to 12,000 rupees for tickets reacted furiously when the Argentina captain was escorted off the pitch less than 20 minutes into the programme. Plastic seats were torn out, bottles were thrown and crowds surged onto the field as frustration boiled over.

Messi, who was in India for his promotional GOAT tour, briefly came onto the pitch to acknowledge the crowd but remained largely shielded by a large entourage of officials, celebrities and security personnel. When it became clear that his visit was over and that no exhibition match would follow, tempers flared inside the packed stadium.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she was “deeply disturbed and shocked” by the disorder, as videos circulated showing fans ripping down banners, smashing chairs and invading the pitch.

According to local media reports, many fans had expected much more than a short appearance. The 2022 World Cup winner was widely believed to be scheduled for a brief exhibition game, AFP reported.

Speaking to Indian news agency ANI, one fan vented his frustration, saying: “Only leaders and actors were surrounding Messi. Why did they call us? We paid 12,000 rupees, yet we couldn’t even properly see his face.”

Another supporter told the Press Trust of India that attending the event had been a major financial sacrifice. “I paid Rs 5,000 and brought my son to watch Messi, not politicians. Police and military personnel were busy taking selfies. The management is to blame,” he said.

Messi was accompanied during his short visit by Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez and fellow Argentina international Rodrigo de Paul. Earlier in the day, Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan also met the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, has a rich football tradition, and excitement around Messi’s visit had reached fever pitch. Fans travelled from across India, chanting his name, wearing Argentina jerseys and sporting “I love Messi” headbands. In the early hours before the event, thousands lined the streets and gathered outside Messi’s hotel in hopes of catching a glimpse of him.

The tour had kicked off in Kolkata with the unveiling of a 70-foot statue of Messi, constructed over 27 days by a 45-member team. Due to security concerns, the football star appeared virtually at the unveiling.

In response to Saturday’s unrest, Banerjee announced a formal inquiry and apologised to both Messi and disappointed fans. “The committee will conduct a detailed enquiry, establish responsibility and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence,” she wrote on .

A police official confirmed that the event’s chief organiser had been arrested, AFP reported, adding that authorities would also review possible ticket refunds. The All India Football Federation clarified that it had no role in the privately organised event.