Chaos Grips Lionel Messi Event In Kolkata, Anti-Riot Force Deployed At Stadium
What was expected to be a historic and celebratory evening for football fans in India turned into a chaotic and tense situation as Lionel Messi’s much-hyped appearance at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium was marred by disorder, crowd unrest and allegations of gross mismanagement. The situation deteriorated to such an extent that anti-riot forces had to be deployed inside the stadium to bring the crowd under control.
Thousands of fans from across West Bengal and neighbouring states had arrived hours in advance, many paying premium prices for tickets in the hope of witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime moment with the Argentine football legend. The excitement inside the stadium was palpable, with chants, banners and flags filling the air well before Messi’s arrival. However, the mood quickly shifted from anticipation to frustration as the event failed to unfold as promised.
According to spectators, poor crowd management and unclear seating arrangements led to confusion in multiple sections of the stadium. Several fans claimed their view was blocked by barricades, VIP movements or poorly placed structures, leaving them unable to see Messi despite paying steep amounts. Adding to the anger was the extremely brief duration of Messi’s appearance, which reportedly lasted only a short while before he was ushered away.
As disappointment turned into outrage, sections of the crowd began protesting loudly. Bottles and other objects were thrown towards the field, banners were torn down and a few individuals attempted to breach security barriers. The situation escalated rapidly, prompting police authorities to deploy the Rapid Action Force and additional security personnel to prevent stampede-like conditions and ensure the safety of those present.
Security officials formed human chains and increased surveillance across the stadium as Messi was escorted out under heavy protection. Organisers decided to cut short the programme, citing safety concerns amid the growing unrest. While no serious injuries were officially reported, several attendees described the atmosphere as frightening, with fears that the chaos could have resulted in a major accident.
The incident triggered sharp reactions from political leaders and the public alike. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued a public apology to Lionel Messi and the fans, acknowledging lapses in organisation and expressing regret over the embarrassment caused by the disorder. Opposition leaders, meanwhile, slammed the state administration and event organisers, calling the episode a national embarrassment and demanding accountability.
On social media, angry fans shared videos and personal accounts from inside the stadium, describing the event as a “complete failure” and accusing organisers of misleading ticket buyers. Many demanded refunds, saying the experience fell far short of what had been advertised and promoted.
The chaos at the Messi event has once again highlighted the challenges of managing massive crowds during high-profile international appearances in India. Experts have stressed the need for better planning, transparent communication and stricter safety protocols to avoid such incidents in the future. As investigations and reviews are expected to follow, the episode serves as a cautionary tale on how even the most glamorous events can unravel without proper execution and crowd control.
