Violence erupted at the stadium over Lionel Messi’s tour in India
Football icon Lionel Messi’s visit to India turned chaotic on December 13, 2025, as some frustrated fans resorted to violence after being disappointed in their attempts to meet the superstar.
According to ANI news agency, fans had paid substantial sums of money with the promise of an opportunity to meet the Barcelona legend, but that did not happen.
Upon his arrival at the stadium, Messi walked around the pitch waving to fans but was closely surrounded by celebrities, government officials, and other dignitaries.
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As a result, most fans were unable to catch even a glimpse of the Inter Miami player, and no special arrangements were made for meet-and-greet sessions as organisers had promised.
It was reported that Messi was scheduled to spend about 45 minutes at the stadium, but he stayed for only 20 minutes, further angering supporters.
After the event, furious fans were seen ripping up stadium seats and throwing them onto the field and athletics track.
Several people climbed over the perimeter fence and hurled objects onto the pitch.
Some fans expressed their disappointment to ANI, saying, “Only leaders and actors were surrounding Messi… Why did they call us then?” Another fan complained about the high ticket prices, “We bought a ticket for 12,000 rupees [£100], but we were not even able to see his face.”
Authorities in India have vowed to investigate the incident and take action against the perpetrators.
Messi is in India as part of a tour that includes concerts, youth football clinics, a padel tournament, and the launch of charitable initiatives in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi.
A statue of Messi holding the World Cup trophy was also unveiled to the public as part of the tour.
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Watch the chaotic scenes below:
MESSI LEAVE THE GROUND DUE TO SECURITY CONCERNS IN INDIA
– Fans Started Throwing Bottles At Him pic.twitter.com/kOKAWj4rcJ
— usman (@Cricbyusman) December 13, 2025
लिओनेल मेस्सी भारत दौऱ्यावर आला आहे. कोलकात्यामध्ये मेस्सीने त्याच्या पुतळ्याचे अनावरण केले. मेस्सीला पाहण्यासाठी अलोट गर्दी झाली होती. पण स्टेडियममधून तो लगेच गेल्याने त्याला पाहण्यासाठी स्टेडियममध्ये जमलेले चाहते संतापले. त्यामुळे मोठा राडा झाला. #LionelMessi #MessiInIndia pic.twitter.com/qDaD1ae69v
— SaamTV News (@saamTVnews) December 13, 2025
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