Furious fans throw bottles, chairs at Messi event in Kolkata as a brief appearance sparks chaos.

Thousands of fans erupted in anger at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium during a highly anticipated Lionel Messi event, hurling chairs, bottles and other objects after the Argentine football icon made only a short appearance.

The incident occurred on Saturday as the “GOAT India Tour 2025,” a three-city promotional event featuring Messi alongside other Argentine stars, kicked off in West Bengal’s capital.

Spectators who had spent significant amounts on tickets reported that they ranged from roughly ₹3,800 to ₹12,000 and grew increasingly frustrated when Messi’s stadium appearance lasted barely twenty minutes and offered limited visibility.

Many fans were unable to see the four-time Ballon d’Or winner from their seats or on large screens, with sections of the crowd complaining that VIPs, security personnel and officials crowded the pitch and blocked views.

Following Messi’s abrupt exit under heavy security, supporters expressed their outrage by throwing plastic bottles and stadium chairs toward the field and breaking barricades. Some fans also vandalised banners, ripped posters, and briefly invaded the pitch as police and security personnel struggled to contain the situation. A small fire was reported when a VIP seat was set alight, but it was quickly extinguished.

The chaotic scenes prompted the detention of the event’s organiser amid allegations of “total mismanagement,” with many fans demanding refunds and accountability for what they labelled a “scam.”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee publicly apologised to Messi and supporters for the disorder and announced a detailed inquiry into how the event was handled, acknowledging the embarrassment caused on an international stage.

Earlier in the day, Messi had participated in other activities, including the unveiling of a large statue in Kolkata, but the unrest at the stadium overshadowed the celebratory aspects of his visit. Organisers and local authorities face intense criticism from spectators and political figures alike as investigations and calls for refunds unfold.

Sources: Reuters,  Associated Press,  Hindustan Times, Bangkok Post