Violence, vandalism and chaos: Lionel Messi’s India tour off to an inauspicious start in Kolkata - See pics

The situation at the Salt Lake Stadium turned grim after fans turned violent on not getting enough glimpse of the Argentine superstar Lionel Messi. 

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By HT Sports Desk
Published on Dec 13, 2025 03:27 pm IST 18 Photos
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Salt Lake Stadium turned into a battleground after violent fans thronged to the middle. The ardent Lionel Messi supporters expressed their frustration after Messi left the stadium within 10 minutes. (HT Photo )
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Lionel Messi left the Salt Lake Stadium after take a short lap around the ground. He was surrounded by the police personnel and VIPs, including several politicians and West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas (HT Photo)
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Messi had earlier waved to the crowd amid deafening cheers before being involved in a quick meet-and-greet session with the former Indian footballers who were involved in an exhibition match between Mohun Bagan 'Messi' All Stars and Diamond Harbour 'Messi' All Stars. However, once he felt, the fans started to remove posters and make their anger known to the world. (HT Photo )

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According to Additional Director General (ADG) Law and Order Jawed Shamim, the chief organiser of the Kolkata leg of his GOAT Tour of Lionel Messi has been arrested, following utter chaos and shambolic scenes at the Salt Lake Stadium. (HT Photo )
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When Messi entered the stadium premises, he was surrounded by a human barricade of security. Despite multiple requests, the field could not be cleared and ultimately the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner had to be escorted out and this incident tipped the fans over the edge, resulting in chaos and vandalism.(HT Photo )

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