Football icon Lionel Messi’s four-city GOAT India Tour 2025 got off to a bitter-sweet start, as thousands braved the cold December night on early Saturday to give a rousing reception to the Argentine superstar, but many also created ruckus at one of his jam-packed events later in the day.
The event at the Salt Lake Stadium saw Messi supporters turn unruly and resort to throwing bottles as they were reportedly upset with the organisers. Earlier at the Kolkata airport, many fans were upset as they could not catch a glimpse of their icon. The heavy security meant Messi was whisked out of the airport and taken to his hotel around 3.30 am through a back entrance, giving hundreds of waiting supporters a complete miss. Fans at the stadium had a similar experience.
Connected to India’s source at the stadium stated: “Angry crowd throwing bottles from gallery after they couldn’t see Messi properly.” Visuals from the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan in Salt Lake, Kolkata, also confirmed the same.
According to the source, “Messi arrived at Salt Lake Stadium and was joined by Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, to deafening chants.”
The football icon was presented with a special Mohun Bagan jersey bearing his name and the iconic No. 10.
“Chaos in Salt Lake Stadium as angry fans threw water bottles after failing to catch a glimpse of Messi properly. They tried to breach security cordon. Messi had to leave the stadium early,” the source added.
