Lionel Messi’s highly-anticipated “GOAT India Tour” kicked off in Kolkata on December 13, 2025, but quickly devolved into a scene of crisis and violence. Fans who had paid exorbitant ticket prices were left outraged after politicians and dignitaries blocked their view, and the soccer icon departed after a mere 20 minutes. The disorganized event culminated in clashes between frustrated fans and police, leading to injuries, an FIR against the organizers, and an intense political blame game that has overshadowed the purpose of Messi’s visit.
Story Highlights
- Fans paid high ticket prices for a short appearance by Messi.
- Politicians and dignitaries blocked fans’ views, causing outrage.
- Protests led to violence, with fans throwing chairs and bottles.
- Political blame game between TMC and BJP intensified post-event.
Fans Outraged by Event Mismanagement
On December 13, 2025, Lionel Messi’s promotional “GOAT India Tour” began on a sour note in Kolkata. The event, held at Yuva Bharati Krirangan, was supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fans to meet the soccer icon. However, the presence of dignitaries and politicians blocked fans’ views, turning excitement into frustration. The disorganized event concluded with Messi leaving after only 20 minutes, leaving fans feeling short-changed.
People who paid for tickets could not see Messi but politicians and their families treated him like a photo prop Absolute disgrace pic.twitter.com/9eWXpSCFp3
— Ashish Shrivastava (@ashishayush1177) December 13, 2025
Violence Erupts as Fans Demand Justice
As Messi exited the stadium prematurely, enraged fans began hurling chairs and bottles in protest. The situation quickly escalated as clashes ensued between fans and police, leading to multiple injuries. An FIR was filed against the organizers, and one organizer was detained. The incident not only disrupted the event but also highlighted the growing dissatisfaction among fans who had paid between 5,000 to 15,000 rupees for tickets.
Political Fallout and Blame Game
The crisis at the event quickly turned into a political issue, with Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, issuing an apology via tweet. The opposition BJP criticized the TMC government for mismanagement, framing the incident as a reflection of broader governance failures. This political blame game has intensified existing tensions between the parties, overshadowing the original purpose of Messi’s visit.
Watch the report: Messi In India: Fans Throw Bottles, Chairs After Blink and Miss Messi Event | WION
Sources:
- ISIL kills US soldiers, interpreter in Syria’s Palmyra, Pentagon says | Syria’s War News | Al Jazeera
- 2 U.S. soldiers and civilian killed, others wounded after assailant shot at U.S.-Syrian patrol in Syria, Pentagon says – CBS News
- U.S. Forces Attacked in Syria, State Media Says – The New York Times
