Kolkata, India — December 14, 2025:
Legendary Argentine footballer Lionel Messi has embarked on his highly anticipated “GOAT India Tour 2025,” marking his first visit to India in over a decade. The multi-city tour—spanning Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi—was designed as a celebration of Messi’s immense global influence, with concerts, fan interactions, football clinics, exhibitions, and cultural programmes planned across the country.
Messi’s Kolkata Tour Turns Chaotic and Controversial
The tour’s opening event at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata was expected to be a spectacular start, with thousands of fans filling the stadium in hopes of catching a glimpse of their idol. However, the event turned chaotic due to poor management by the host team.
The programme was scheduled to last around 44 minutes, featuring various activities. However, Messi’s appearance at the stadium was cut short to about 20 minutes due to safety concerns. During the brief visit, he remained surrounded by celebrities, politicians, and security personnel.
Many ticket holders complained that they could not see Messi at all, despite spending large amounts of money on tickets. After Messi’s early departure from the stadium, visible disappointment spread among fans. Protests soon followed, with some spectators throwing objects, damaging stadium seats, and storming parts of the venue in anger over the poor organization and lack of visibility.