Lionel Messi Lost His Cool During Chaotic Kolkata Event, Witness Says

Lionel Messi appeared visibly frustrated during the GOAT Tour event in Kolkata after chaotic scenes erupted at the Vivekananda Yuvabharati Stadium, forcing security personnel to cut short the football icon’s appearance, according to former India midfielder Lalkamal Bhowmick.

While Messi enjoyed a smoother experience later in Hyderabad, his Kolkata visit earlier on Saturday was marred by serious crowd management lapses. What was meant to be a celebratory exhibition turned disorderly when fans breached security and flooded the pitch moments after the Argentine star stepped onto the field.

Bhowmick, who participated in the exhibition match ahead of Messi’s planned lap around the stadium, said the atmosphere was calm when Messi first arrived. He recalled that the World Cup winner appeared relaxed, greeted players warmly and signed autographs without hesitation.

However, the situation changed rapidly as people began crowding around Messi to take photographs, making him visibly uncomfortable. Bhowmick said the overcrowding intensified within minutes, triggering irritation and prompting intervention from the security team.

Eyewitnesses said Messi’s lap of the stadium was abandoned almost immediately as politicians, officials, celebrities and their families converged around him, creating an unmanageable situation. As news spread in the stands that Messi would not remain on the field for long, tensions escalated among fans who had paid premium prices for the event.

Messi exited the field in under 10 minutes, triggering protests inside the stadium. Bottles were thrown, hoardings were damaged and security personnel were deployed to restore order. Visuals of the unrest quickly circulated on social media.

Bhowmick also said Messi’s security team was alarmed by the sudden influx of people onto the pitch from multiple directions. He added that Messi’s teammates, including Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, were equally unhappy with the situation. Eventually, Messi and his entourage left the stadium and did not return despite fans waiting for further interaction.

In the aftermath, the event’s main organiser was detained for questioning as police reviewed crowd control and security failures. West Bengal Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar later said law and order had been restored.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued a public apology, expressing regret over the mismanagement and distress caused to both Messi and fans. Questions continue to be raised over planning, access control and VVIP movement at one of Kolkata’s most anticipated sporting events.

By contrast, Messi’s Hyderabad appearance later the same day was better organised, with the football star spending extended time interacting with fans and participating in on-field activities.