What Went Wrong at Kolkata GOAT Tour That Left Messi Almost Invisible to Fans?

The Kolkata leg of Lionel Messi's GOAT India Tour 2025 on December 13 descended into chaos at Salt Lake Stadium, where tens of thousands of ticket-holding fans struggled to spot the Argentine icon amid a dense swarm of dignitaries, politicians, celebrities, and security personnel. What was billed as a celebratory appearance lasting hours turned into a 20-minute fleeting visit, leaving spectators frustrated and prompting vandalism as bottles, chairs, and banners were hurled in protest.

Viral photographs and videos captured the core issue: Messi, accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, was completely obscured by the entourage during his lap of honor. Fans who paid between ₹4,000 and ₹25,000 for tickets voiced outrage online, with one widely shared image challenging viewers to "spot Messi" in a sea of surrounding figures—highlighting how VIP access dominated the field-level view.

The disruption escalated quickly, with some fans breaching barricades and invading the pitch. Police intervened, deploying anti-riot forces to restore order. Organizer Satadru Dutta was arrested on cheating charges, while authorities promised ticket refunds and launched investigations.

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologized publicly to Messi and fans, ordering a high-level probe to assign responsibility. The incident overshadowed positive moments like Messi's virtual unveiling of his 70-foot statue and interactions with figures like Shah Rukh Khan.

This embarrassing start to the tour underscores challenges in managing high-profile events and prioritizing public access over elite gatherings and has drawn criticism for turning a fan-focused occasion into perceived exclusivity. Messi proceeded to Hyderabad for the next leg, with heightened security measures expected.

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