Messi's Mismanaged Kolkata Visit: A Day of Football Chaos

Lionel Messi's visit to Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium was overshadowed by crowd chaos and mismanagement. Fans were unable to see Messi due to a blockade of politicians and officials, leading to riots and damage at the venue. The event highlighted issues in Indian football and governance.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Kolkata | Updated: 13-12-2025 15:32 IST | Created: 13-12-2025 15:32 IST
Messi's Mismanaged Kolkata Visit: A Day of Football Chaos
Lionel Messi
  • Country:
  • India

Lionel Messi's much-anticipated visit to Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium turned into chaos, underscoring the disarray in Indian football and state administration. The event, promised as a historic occasion, revealed the planning and policing failures that resulted in unrest among disappointed fans.

Fans, expecting to catch a glimpse of the Argentine superstar, were instead obstructed by a throng of politicians and VIPs, depicting misplaced priorities. The mismanaged event was a distressing spectacle, with over 50,000 fans left in disillusionment as chaos ensued.

Despite attempts to control the situation, mayhem continued as fans launched a protest. The disappointing turn of events during Messi's 22-minute stay was a stark mirror reflecting the dire state of football and governance in India.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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