For Indian football fans, December 13 was meant to be historic. Lionel Messi, arguably the most adored footballer of this generation, finally returned to India after more than a decade. His “GOAT India Tour 2025” was pitched as a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, blending football, culture, and fan engagement across multiple cities.
Kolkata, a city where football is closer to faith than sport, was chosen as the opening act. Messi arrived late Friday night to scenes that felt closer to a World Cup victory parade than an airport arrival. Thousands lined the streets, chanting his name, capturing the moment many had waited years for.
Earlier in the day, the virtual unveiling of a towering 70-foot statue of Messi set the tone. Expectations soared. This was supposed to be the night Kolkata remembered forever.
Inside the Stadium: Expectations vs Reality
The centrepiece of the visit was Messi’s appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium, one of Asia’s largest football arenas. Tickets sold out rapidly, with prices ranging from a few thousand rupees to premium five-figure passes. Fans anticipated a proper on-field interaction, a lap of honour, and a rare chance to see their hero up close.
What followed, however, was far removed from those expectations.
Messi’s time on the pitch reportedly lasted no more than 10 to 20 minutes. Instead of a clear, controlled fan experience, the field became congested with officials, politicians, organisers, and VIP guests. Security tightened abruptly, and Messi was swiftly escorted away before much of the crowd could even catch a glimpse of him.
For thousands who had paid to be there, the moment they came for never truly arrived.
From Disappointment to Disorder
Confusion quickly turned into frustration. When it became evident that Messi would not return to the field and that the planned lap of honour was cancelled, tempers flared. Sections of the crowd began protesting, throwing plastic bottles and chairs, tearing down banners, and damaging seats.
Barriers were breached, and parts of the stadium descended into chaos. Police and rapid action forces were deployed to prevent the situation from spiralling further. The main organiser of the event was detained as authorities tried to regain control.
What was meant to be a celebration of football became a lesson in how fragile large-scale events can be when expectations are mismanaged.
Apologies, Accountability, and a Hasty Exit
With safety becoming a serious concern, Messi was moved out of the venue under heavy security. Later, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued a public apology to both Messi and the fans, acknowledging lapses in event management and crowd control.
The apology, while significant, did little to soften the disappointment of fans who felt misled. Many questioned how an event of this scale, involving one of the world’s most famous athletes, could unravel so quickly.
The Tour Moves On
Despite the turbulent start, the GOAT India Tour has not been cancelled. Messi departed Kolkata earlier than planned and has since arrived in Hyderabad, where the next phase of the tour is underway. Live updates suggest tighter security and more structured scheduling for upcoming appearances in other cities.
For Indian fans, the Kolkata episode now stands as a bittersweet memory. The joy of Messi’s return was real, but so was the frustration of seeing a dream moment slip away.