By Martin Graham
Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated promotional visit to India took an unexpected turn on Saturday, as disorder broke out during the opening stop of his three-day schedule.
The Argentine star arrived in Kolkata as part of a short tour that also included Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, drawing enormous attention from supporters across the country.
For many followers, however, the experience proved disappointing, with large numbers unable to properly see one of football’s most recognizable figures.
It marked Messi’s first appearance in India since 2011, making expectations particularly high among fans.
Purpose of the visit and ticket details
The journey followed Messi’s recent success with Inter Miami, where he helped the club secure its first MLS Cup, and was designed as a marketing event.
Branded the GOAT India Tour 2025 — using the phrase “greatest of all time” — the trip featured Messi alongside Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez of Uruguay and Argentina midfielder Rodrigo de Paul.
Kolkata hosted the opening engagement on Saturday, after which the group travelled to Hyderabad the same day, then continued to Mumbai on Sunday and concluded the tour in New Delhi on Monday. India was the sole destination on the itinerary.
Entry prices varied widely. Standard access passes were set at 3,500 rupees in Kolkata and Hyderabad, rising to 4,200 rupees in New Delhi, amounts that represent a significant portion of average weekly earnings in India.
Demand pushed resale costs far higher, with some supporters reportedly paying as much as 12,000 rupees. A limited VVIP package, restricted to 100 people, offered a personal interaction and photo opportunity with Messi for one million rupees.
What unfolded in Kolkata
Messi touched down in Kolkata at around 01:30 local time, with crowds lining streets and gathering outside his hotel hoping to see him.
The schedule began with the exclusive meet-and-greet session between 09:00 and 10:30, but events soon took an unusual direction.
A towering 70-foot statue depicting Messi lifting the World Cup was revealed, though the footballer was not physically present. Instead, he appeared via video link and remotely triggered the unveiling.
After meeting Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, Messi travelled to Salt Lake Stadium, where he was expected to spend about an hour. Instead, he departed after roughly 20 minutes, sparking anger among ticket holders.
Fans complained that security personnel, politicians, and celebrities surrounded Messi, preventing ordinary supporters from seeing him, despite some having paid sums equivalent to several weeks or even a month’s wages.
A planned informal match involving local players did not take place, and Messi was quickly flown on to Hyderabad.
Disorder, investigation and the rest of the tour
As Messi exited the stadium, he waved briefly, but frustration soon escalated. Some supporters ran onto the pitch, damaging banners and tents, while others threw plastic seats and bottles.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee described the scenes as deeply upsetting, announced an investigation, and issued an apology to both Messi and sports fans.
Messi’s representatives stated that he had completed the agreed appearance time and pointed to the official apology regarding event organization. Local media criticized poor planning, weak coordination, and security failures.
Event organizer Satadru Dutta was arrested, and a city court ordered him to remain in police custody for 14 days.
Elsewhere, the tour proceeded smoothly. In Hyderabad, the trio stayed on the field for a full hour in front of a packed venue.
In Mumbai, Messi met Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, while fog delayed the group’s arrival in New Delhi. There, thousands gathered at Arun Jaitley Stadium to watch a half-hour session featuring ball-kicking into the stands, interaction with children, and autograph signings.
