Messi Kolkata Tour Chaos: Football Federation Says Event Was Private, No Clearance Sought

Angry fans vandalise the Salt Lake Stadium during Argentine footballer Lionel Messi's G.O.A.T India Tour 2025, in Kolkata. (Photo: ANI)

As anger continues to simmer in Kolkata, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) clarified on Saturday that the Lionel Messi event at Salt Lake Stadium was privately organised by a PR agency, and the federation had no role in the planning or execution of the programme.

In a post on X, AIFF said, "The All India Football Federation is deeply concerned by the events that transpired at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, where thousands of fans gathered to witness world football stars Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Rodrigo de Paul." 

"This was a private event organised by a PR agency. The AIFF was not involved in the organisation, planning, or execution of this event in any capacity. Furthermore, the details of the event were neither communicated to the AIFF, nor was any clearance sought from the Federation," AIFF added.

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Safety and security remain our top priority for all.#IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/pOUPJ7IXCs — Indian Football (@IndianFootball) December 13, 2025

CM Orders High-Level Enquiry

Following the incident, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologised to sports enthusiasts for the mismanagement and announced a high-level enquiry into the matter. She stated that an enquiry committee had been constituted under the chairmanship of retired Justice Ashim Kumar Ray, with the Chief Secretary and the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home and Hill Affairs Department as members.

The committee has been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation, identifying lapses, assigning responsibility, and recommending measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Expressing her concern on X, the Chief Minister said she was “deeply disturbed and shocked” by the events and assured that strict action would be taken based on the enquiry’s findings.

I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium. I was on my way to the stadium to attend the event along with thousands of sports lovers and fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite footballer, Lionel Messi. I…— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 13, 2025

Organiser Arrested, Ticket Refund Assured

Kolkata police have arrested the organiser of the event following chaos at the stadium, which erupted after thousands of fans could not get a proper view of Messi. Addressing the media, West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar said the organisers had provided a written assurance that ticket holders would be refunded. According to reports, tickets were sold for prices ranging from Rs 4,000 to Rs 25,000.

#WATCH | Kolkata: On the Chaos at Messi's Kolkata event, West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar says, "There was some kind of anger or anxiety in the fans saying that he's not playing. The plan was that he would come here, wave, meet certain people and leave. Now the government has already… pic.twitter.com/WMomQ5KgDb — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2025

Kolkata Lionel Messi Goat India Tour Chaos

During Lionel Messi's GOAT India tour, chaos erupted at the Salt Lake Stadium when disappointed fans became angry over his short stay and limited public appearances, forcing police to use batons to control the unruly crowd.

Messi, the World Cup-winning captain of Argentina, arrived at the stadium around 11:30 am on Saturday, accompanied by his long-time strike partner Luis Suárez and fellow Argentine international Rodrigo De Paul.