Lionel Messi's India tour has finally fulfilled its promise in Hyderabad and Mumbai, as the proceedings in the two cities had a contrasting difference than Kolkata, where it ended in chaos and crowd unrest.
After the dismal start in the City of Joy, things have been immensely streamlined and managed in the next two cities. Messi's Mumbai tour also witnessed a historic crossover between football and cricket.
India legend Sachin Tendulkar met with the Argentine star and gifted his shirt, while Messi returned the present with a World Cup ball to the India great. Sunil Chhetri also shared a special moment with Messi, while Hyderabad also had a special treat from Messi and his two Inter Miami teammates, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul.
What happened in Kolkata?
Kolkata, known as the mecca of football in India, dreamt to witness Messi and his magic, but ended up with nothing but disappointment.
Chaos erupted at Lionel Messi's appearance during the G.O.A.T. Tour of India 2025 at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium on December 12, 2025. Fans who paid high ticket prices grew frustrated after barely seeing the football legend, leading to vandalism and security breaches.
Messi arrived around 11:30 AM but stayed only 10-20 minutes, surrounded by dignitaries, politicians, and paparazzi that blocked fan views. His planned stadium lap was abandoned amid the crowd surge, prompting fans to throw bottles, chairs, and damage hoardings. Security rushed him out early, escalating protests inside the venue.
Thousands of supporters, many arriving early after paying up to Rs 16,000 for tickets, felt cheated by poor visibility and mismanagement. They booed officials, attempted to breach gates, and ripped seats in anger over the brief, inaccessible event. Water was sold at Rs 200, adding to grievances. Satadru Dutta, the main organizer, was arrested by the Bengal police as well. But the majority of fans on social media blamed West Bengal sports minister Aroop Biswas, who was seen along with Messi for the entirety of the proceedings.
Mohammad Rafique, one of the Miscreants?
Amid the widespread allegations against politicians and others, a video of former India footballer Mohammad Rafique has emerged. Rafique was part of the exhibition match between Mohun Bagan and Diamond Harbour just before Messi arrived. Despite a prior meet and greet with Messi at the stadium, Rafique continued to stay on the field and started shooting video.
Despite being a footballer himself and knowing the emotion of the fans, Rafique was creating a scene around Messi. A video by Canning Football shows that the former Atletico de Kolkata footballer, who actually scored the winning goal in ISL 2014 final, was hysterically shouting 'Encara Messi, Encara Messi' - a popular Spanish commentary phrase.
The minister Aroop Biswas can be seen in Rafique's video, as the former India footballer visibly distressed the security and went no-holds-barred. The minister can also be seen trying desperately to get to the other side of the security, while Rafique continues to shout 'Messi, Messi' hysterically.
It was a combined effort in Kolkata which led to his early departure. From organizer's fault to politicians and officials creating lawlessness on the ground, it culminated in the situation which transpired into a full-fledged unrest. A report from Anandabazar also says the level of chaos got to a level where Luis Suarez had a blow on his stomach, while a miscreant almost scratched Rodrigo De Paul's hand. Messi's security personnel didn't want to risk further and decided to save him from further mayhem.
Fans were denied, emotions were duped. Kolkata, as a city, became a global talk point for all the wrong reasons. Rafique, by no means, is the sole perpetrator in this chaos, as there were at least a hundred of them. The ones who vandalized the stadium and uprooted seats are definitely culpable, but the ones who suffocated Messi on the pitch and led to this chaos, share equal blame.
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