'We were scammed': Messi fans riot at Kolkata stadium over poor visibility; organiser arrested, TMC ministers face heat

“We couldn't see Messi for a minute! We had to see him on a giant screen even after coming down to the stadium. Why were we scammed? The government played with our emotions. Messi is not just a player but an emotion,” an agitated football fan cries speaking to IBNS, echoing the frustration of spectators who had spent thousands of rupees on tickets for the G.O.A.T. India Tour 2025 event.

The 85,000-capacity stadium was nearly full when Messi arrived around 11:30 am in a white luxury car and briefly took the field. Initial celebrations, however, quickly turned into outrage as Messi was escorted out within half an hour, leaving fans with little to no view of the World Cup-winning footballer.

Spectators soon began hurling plastic water bottles, followed by chairs, as protests escalated into full-scale vandalism. Barricades were smashed, sections of the field were stormed, and properties were damaged.

Two large tents, which were erected on the field allegedly for the comfort of dignitaries even in winter obstructing the gallery’s view, were later set on fire by the protesters.

Police largely exercised restraint as security personnel struggled for nearly an hour to control the situation.

Fans alleged that Messi remained surrounded by politicians, administrators and celebrities throughout his brief appearance, defeating the event’s core purpose. Among those seen flanking him were organiser Shatadru Dutta, West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas, Mohun Bagan secretary Srinjoy Bose and other influential figures.

“Politicians and celebrities were busy clicking pictures with Messi,” an angry spectator said, questioning the professionalism and management of the event.

The unrest broke out even before the expected arrival of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, who were scheduled to share the stage with Messi.

Following the incident, organiser Shatadru Dutta announced a full refund of ticket prices, which started at Rs. 5,000. He was later arrested after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee publicly apologised and ordered a probe into the “mismanagement”.

Banerjee, who was on her way to the stadium when the protests were at their peak, issued an apology to both Messi and football fans, and announced the formation of an inquiry committee headed by retired Justice Ashim Kumar Ray.

“I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium… I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident,” Banerjee wrote on X.

“The committee will conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future,” she added.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari launched a scathing attack on state ministers Aroop Biswas and Sujit Bose, alleging widespread corruption linked to the event. He cited the reportedly inflated prices of basic amenities, including drinking water, to accuse the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of profiteering.

“Classic TMC extortion racket! These so-called leaders turned a sporting icon’s visit into their personal photo-op and profit bonanza,” Adhikari wrote on X.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanded the arrest of the two ministers and the resignation of the Chief Minister, calling the incident “a criminal assault on West Bengal’s pride and a betrayal of its football-loving fans”.

(Photos by Avishek Mitra/IBNS)