Kolkata, India — A highly anticipated public appearance by football icon Lionel Messi in Kolkata on Saturday, December 13, 2025, turned into an evening of pandemonium, resulting in the vandalism of Salt Lake Stadium and the subsequent detention of a key event organiser.

Thousands of fervent fans who had purchased steep-priced tickets for the “GOAT India Tour 2025” event were left furious after the Argentine legend made only a brief appearance and was immediately surrounded by a large group that included organisers, local politicians, and football club representatives. Spectators in the gallery complained they could not get even a glimpse of their hero.

Within minutes, the mood soured, and angry fans began to break chairs in the stands and hurl them onto the field. The police, who were reportedly outnumbered, struggled to contain the rising violence.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has reportedly ordered an enquiry into the severe mismanagement. Meanwhile, the police have detained at least one of the event organisers in connection with the unrest. The episode has cast a pall over the remaining legs of Messi’s planned tour, which includes upcoming visits to Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi.