Kolkata, Dec 13: What was billed as a landmark football celebration descended into disorder on Saturday as Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated appearance in Kolkata was cut short following crowd unrest at the Vivekananda Yuvabharati Krirangan.

Scenes of chaos unfolded inside the stadium after frustrated fans allegedly began throwing bottles and damaging hoardings, prompting security personnel to step in. Eyewitnesses said poor crowd management and severe access restrictions sparked anger among spectators, many of whom claimed they were unable to reach designated viewing areas despite holding valid tickets.

As tensions escalated, Messi — visiting Kolkata as part of his GOAT India Tour 2025 — was escorted out of the venue under tight security within minutes of his arrival. Sources said the World Cup-winning footballer remained inside the stadium for less than 10 minutes, alongside other VVIPs, before leaving.

For hundreds of fans who had gathered at the venue since early morning, the abrupt exit proved deeply disappointing. Several supporters said they were unable to even catch a glimpse of the Argentine star.

Soon after, videos circulating on social media showed scenes of unrest inside the stadium, including objects being hurled and signage damaged. The visuals stood in stark contrast to the festive build-up surrounding Messi’s arrival in the city earlier in the day.

Angry fans accused organisers of gross mismanagement, alleging that the event prioritised celebrity interactions over public access. Some spectators, who claimed to have paid up to Rs 12,000 for tickets, said they felt sidelined.

Earlier, Kolkata had rolled out a grand welcome for Messi, the first stop on his three-day India tour covering Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi. The football icon arrived shortly after midnight on December 13 to cheering crowds outside the airport.

The celebrations began at Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town, where Messi virtually unveiled a 70-foot statue dedicated to him in the presence of West Bengal minister Sujit Bose and actor Shah Rukh Khan.

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Messi is scheduled to meet Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and former India captain Sourav Ganguly before flying out to Hyderabad, even as his Kolkata appearance ends amid controversy and disappointment.