Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated tour of India began in chaos on Saturday after fans vandalized seating, threw objects onto the field, and stormed the pitch at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium following the football icon’s brief appearance at a ticketed event.
Police confirmed that Satadru Dutta, the chief organizer of the event, has been detained amid allegations of severe mismanagement. Rajeev Kumar, Director General of West Bengal Police, said authorities are taking action to ensure accountability.
Messi was scheduled to appear at the stadium for 45 minutes, but remained on site for only around 20 minutes, prompting unrest among disappointed fans. Ticket prices ranged from 3,500 rupees ($38.65)—more than half of India’s average weekly income—to as much as $130, according to at least one attendee.
As frustration spread, fans ripped out plastic seats and hurled debris onto the pitch, while several individuals climbed perimeter fences and invaded the field.
“I can’t believe there was so much mismanagement,” said Eddie Lal Hmangaihzuala, who traveled nearly 1,500 kilometers from Mizoram over two days to attend the event. “Messi left quickly — I think he felt unsafe. I barely got a glimpse of him,” he told Reuters.
Event organizers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
“We have already detained the main organizer,” Kumar told reporters. “Steps are being taken so this mismanagement does not go unpunished.” He added that the organizer has submitted a written pledge stating that all ticket sales will be refunded.
Probe Ordered, Apology Issued
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologized publicly to Messi and ordered a formal investigation into the incident.
“I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium,” Banerjee wrote on X, noting she was en route to the venue when the chaos erupted. “I sincerely apologize to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and fans, for this unfortunate incident.”
She announced the formation of a committee to conduct a detailed inquiry, determine responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Messi is visiting India as part of a multi-city tour that includes appearances at concerts, youth football clinics, a padel tournament, and charitable initiatives in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi.
Despite India being a cricket-dominated nation, states such as West Bengal, Kerala, and Goa have long-standing football cultures. Salt Lake Stadium has previously witnessed fan violence, including a 2012 Kolkata derby that was abandoned after a brick thrown from the stands seriously injured a player.
Argentina legend Diego Maradona visited Kolkata twice and unveiled a statue of himself holding the World Cup there in 2017. Messi himself captained Argentina at Salt Lake Stadium for the first time in a 1–0 friendly win over Venezuela in 2011, and earlier on Saturday, he virtually unveiled a 70-foot statue of himself in the city.
