Lionel Messi’s GOAT India Tour started in Kolkata, where thousands of fans gathered at Salt Lake Stadium to see him. Messi appeared briefly, walked around the pitch waving, but was surrounded by officials and celebrities, making it hard for fans to see him clearly.
After about 20 minutes, Messi was taken away early by security, which angered sections of the crowd. After Messi left, fans threw bottles and plastic chairs, damaged seats, and stormed parts of the pitch, forcing police intervention.
Here is a complete timeline of the events:
Messi’s GOAT India Tour begins in Kolkata.
Lionel Messi arrived in Kolkata on December 13, 2025, marking the start of his India tour. He landed in the city in the morning and checked into the Hyatt Regency, where heavy security was deployed, and the entire seventh floor was sealed after fans crowded the hotel lobby trying to catch a glimpse of him.
VIP Meet-and-Greet and 70-Foot Statue Unveiling
Messi’s Kolkata schedule included a VIP meet-and-greet, followed by the virtual unveiling of a 70-foot iron statue of him holding the FIFA World Cup trophy at Lake Town. West Bengal minister Sujit Bose confirmed that Messi and his team had given consent for the statue and were happy with it. Shah Rukh Khan and his son AbRam were present during the virtual unveiling. An exhibition match between Mohun Bagan All Stars and Diamond Harbour All Stars began at Yuva Bharati Krirangan ahead of Messi’s appearance.
Messi’s Brief Appearance at Yuva Bharati Krirangan
Messi arrived at Yuva Bharati Krirangan around 11:15 a.m. He was expected to take a full lap of the stadium and participate briefly in the programme. However, within minutes of his appearance, the situation inside the stadium deteriorated. Fans who had paid between ₹4,500 and ₹10,000 for tickets complained that they could not see Messi properly and were angry that he did not play, even though the plan was only for him to wave and leave. Bottles were thrown, fibreglass seats were damaged, and vandalism broke out, forcing police and RAF personnel to intervene.
Event Cut Short, and VIPs Exit Early
Due to the chaos, Messi stayed at the venue for only about 20 minutes and was quickly whisked away by security. The event was cut short, and Shah Rukh Khan, Sourav Ganguly, and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee were unable to take part as planned. Fans described the event as a scam and a black day for Kolkata football, blaming poor management, lack of basic facilities like drinking water, and preferential access for politicians.
Police Action, Refund Assurance, and Organiser Arrest
West Bengal Director General Rajeev Kumar stated that there was anger among fans because of unmet expectations and confirmed that organisers had given written assurance that refunds would be provided. The main event organiser, Satadru Dutta, was detained and later arrested, as confirmed by police and ADG Law and Order Jawed Shamim.
Messi Leaves Kolkata for Hyderabad
After leaving the stadium, Messi departed Kolkata and flew to Hyderabad later the same day. Authorities in Hyderabad said preparations there were more robust, with around 4,000 officers deployed and continuous coordination with organisers. In Hyderabad, Messi was scheduled to take part in a football clinic along with Luis Suárez and Rodrigo de Paul, a seven-a-side match, and a celebrity game with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy present.
Mumbai and Delhi Next on Messi’s India Tour
Following Hyderabad, Messi was scheduled to continue his India tour by travelling to Mumbai on December 14 and New Delhi on December 15, completing the three-day, four-city GOAT India Tour.
FAQs
Q. Why did Lionel Messi leave Kolkata?
A. Lionel Messi left Kolkata because large crowds of politicians and media surrounded him.
Q. What happened on the Messi India tour?
A. The Kolkata event turned chaotic after his appearance was cut short, with fans damaging
seats and throwing objects inside the stadium.
Q. Has Cristiano Ronaldo ever visited India?
A. No, Cristiano Ronaldo has not visited India for a competitive match.
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