Cricket World reacts as Lionel Messi forced to flee early as fans turn Salt Lake Stadium into WAR ZONE

Lionel Messi's much-hyped Kolkata visit turned out to be a chaotic and frustrating experience for both the fans and the football legend himself on Saturday, December 13. Thousands of fans came to Yuva Bharati Krirangan with big hopes, but many left disappointed because they could not even properly see Lionel Messi.

Fans had paid expensive ticket prices, starting from Rs 5,000 and going up to Rs 25,000, expecting to watch the football legend up close at the Salt Lake Stadium. Messi reached the stadium around 11:15 am along with his teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrygo de Paul, as part of the G.O.A.T. Tour.

Lionel Messi’s Kolkata visit sparks chaos at packed Salt Lake Stadium

As soon as they entered, the Salt Lake Stadium echoed with loud cheers and “Messi, Messi” chants. However, the situation quickly became messy. Messi was surrounded by heavy security, officials, and special guests, which blocked the view for most fans sitting in the stands.

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And the frustration grew when they could hardly see Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain. Messi was supposed to take a full lap of the stadium, but the growing chaos didn’t let that happen. He stayed at the Salt Lake Stadium for only about 30 minutes.

As things started going out of control, organizers and security staff rushed Messi out through the tunnel to ensure his safety. The event had to be cut short, leading to the cancellation of the facilitation ceremony, which was expected to be attended by several big names, including Shah Rukh Khan, Sourav Ganguly, and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Bottles thrown, chairs broken as Lionel Messi’s Kolkata visit ends in chaos

Once Messi left the ground, anger among the fans spilled over. Bottles, water packets, and even chairs were thrown inside the stadium. Some fans ran onto the field and damaged the setups and canopies made for the event. Many chairs in the stands were broken, and loud boos were heard all around the stadium in Kolkata.

Videos shared on social media showed fans breaking seats, tearing banners, and throwing objects at officials and police. Fans said they were upset not only because Messi left early but also because the event was poorly managed by the officials.

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Here's how Cricket world reacted to all the mess:

Chao as expected.. https://t.co/ZM8eqNlJAY

— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) December 13, 2025

बंगाल के खेल मंत्री को इसमें अपने आदमी घुसाने की जरूरत क्या थी। भारत में हर बड़े इवेंट का सत्यानाश क्यों होता है? https://t.co/mxQ5fMCzgt

— Abhishek Tripathi / अभिषेक त्रिपाठी (@abhishereporter) December 13, 2025

No one is ashamed. It was Messy with a Y. People paid Rs 10k and didnt get a glimpse of #LionelMessi .
He was there on turf for 22 minutes and West Bengal sports minister Arup Biswas was seen hijacking the event as he always does.
Pic courtesy @pushan2301 #Shame pic.twitter.com/yg0Hwb6gSI

— Kushan Sarkar (@kushansarkar) December 13, 2025

So Messi was at the ground for 15-20 mins? 😂

— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) December 13, 2025

Complete chaos at Salt Lake Stadium as fans vent their ire #messi #goatindiatour pic.twitter.com/iEBZOiXh6n

— Angshuman Roy (@pushan2301) December 13, 2025

Angry fans vandalising and throwing bottles at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

- They’re unhappy as Messi just visited for 10 minutes and they couldn’t even see him properly. pic.twitter.com/aTu0xVETge

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 13, 2025

Angry fans threw bottles and chairs from the stands at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium. (ANI).

- Fans are disappointed as Lionel Messi appeared for just 10 minutes & they couldn't see him properly. pic.twitter.com/dKhjtaGStO

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) December 13, 2025

Months of planning.
Burning through savings.
Woke up at dawn on event day.
Stood in line with the whole family…
And this is what happened.
Fans have been CHEATED by the organisers of Messi’s GOAT Tour in India.
Unacceptable.#Messi #GOATTour #Kolkata #FansDeserveBetter #Messi𓃵 https://t.co/086svhJhqI

— Ankan Kar (@AnkanKar) December 13, 2025

Every single person bringing us information on the ground over the past two days said one thing in unison - 'This event is not for the fans, clearly'.

In one day, Messi is being carted from Kolkata to Hyderabad with a host of VIP engagements as the priority, and these fan events…

— Lavanya 🎙️🎥👩🏻‍💻 (@lav_narayanan) December 13, 2025

Wasn't there supposed to be a match? https://t.co/NbRMzjsCtb

— Manya (@CSKian716) December 13, 2025

Satadru Dutta and the organizers, you won't see heaven. You played with the emotions of fans and scammed everyone immensely with ridiculous prices and then not to even let people get a proper glimpse of Messi. Shame on you!!! pic.twitter.com/v7IPCTZwlo

— sohom (@AwaaraHoon) December 13, 2025

Pathetic! pic.twitter.com/EV6Iz6B1j5

— Koustav Sengupta (@KoustavOfficial) December 13, 2025

Messi’s brief 5-minute appearance sparked chaos at Salt Lake Stadium, West Bengal as angry fans turned violent, throwing bottles, belts, chairs and vandalising hoardings.#Messi𓃵 #GOAT #MessiInIndia
pic.twitter.com/PwRzP7BDeD

— Sarcasm (@sarcastic_us) December 13, 2025

#MessiInIndia
Messi came for 5 minutes and went back
People turning violent in Salt Lake stadium
Throwing bottles,belt, chairs and breaking hoarding.#Messi𓃵 #goattourindia pic.twitter.com/RsURsDuo1c

— Uttam Raghab (@jnrVENOM) December 13, 2025

Even while leaving, Messi, Suarez, and de Paul looked uncomfortable as the crowd closed in on them. During his short time at the stadium, Messi greeted the fans, met Mohun Bagan official Srinjoy Bose, and signed his coat. Sports Minister Arup Biswas was also present.

Now, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has asked the state government for a detailed report on how the event was managed. The chaos and damage at the stadium have raised big questions about crowd control and planning.