Chaos and vandalism during Lionel Messi’s event at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium drew widespread international media attention, with major global outlets highlighting mismanagement and crowd unrest, raising concerns over the city’s global image and event-handling capabilities.
The BJP termed the chaos at the Lionel Messi event in Kolkata as “shameful for West Bengal” and demanded Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee take responsibility. The unrest forced police action and led to Messi leaving early, prompting a judicial probe.
Lionel Messi will visit India in December 2025 for his “GOAT Tour,” starting in Kolkata on December 12. The tour includes concerts, football events, statue and mural unveilings, and a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi