Lionel Messi India Visit: Kolkata Erupts as Football Icon Arrives, Leaves Stadium Early After Crowd Unrest
Kolkata | December 13, 2025
The much-anticipated Lionel Messi India Visit turned into a spectacle of emotion, noise, and disorder on Saturday as the Argentine football legend arrived at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium amid unprecedented fan frenzy. While thousands gathered to catch a glimpse of the World Cup winner during his first India visit in 14 years, the celebrations were briefly overshadowed when Messi was forced to leave the stadium earlier than scheduled after bottles were reportedly thrown from sections of the crowd.
Messi’s arrival marked the official start of his multi-city ‘GOAT Tour’ in India, aimed at celebrating his storied football career. From the early hours of the morning, Kolkata’s streets were flooded with fans wearing Argentina jerseys, waving flags, and chanting Messi’s name. The atmosphere around Salt Lake Stadium was electric long before the football icon stepped inside.
Massive Turnout at Salt Lake Stadium
The Lionel Messi India Visit drew a crowd rarely seen for a football event in the country. Salt Lake Stadium, already hosting a friendly match between Mohun Bagan All-Stars and Diamond Harbour All-Stars, transformed into a sea of blue and white as fans packed the stands hours ahead of Messi’s expected appearance.
When Messi finally arrived midway through the event, the stadium erupted. Loud chants, music, and roaring applause greeted the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner as he waved to fans from the pitch and acknowledged dignitaries. Many supporters were seen in tears, overwhelmed by the moment of seeing the football legend in person.
Messi also took time to sign jerseys and interact briefly with former Indian footballers who had gathered to honour him. A 70-foot statue of Messi, unveiled earlier in the day, added to the grandeur surrounding the Lionel Messi India Visit, underlining the scale of his popularity in India.
Messi Meets Shah Rukh Khan During Visit
Adding a Bollywood touch to the sporting event, superstar Shah Rukh Khan met Messi during the visit, creating one of the most talked-about moments of the day. The meeting of the two global icons was warmly received by fans, further amplifying the buzz around the Lionel Messi India Visit.
Shah Rukh Khan, often referred to as Kolkata’s adopted son, had earlier confirmed his presence in the city for the event. Images of the interaction quickly went viral, symbolising a rare crossover between global football and Indian cinema.
Crowd Unrest Forces Early Exit
Despite the celebratory mood, the situation took an unfortunate turn later in the programme. According to officials present at the venue, sections of the crowd became restless when many fans realised they would not get a closer glimpse of Messi. Bottles were reportedly hurled from the stands, prompting security personnel to intervene.
As a precautionary measure, organisers decided to curtail Messi’s on-field presence. The football icon was escorted out of the stadium earlier than planned to ensure his safety. While no injuries were officially reported, the incident slightly marred an otherwise historic Lionel Messi India Visit.
Authorities later appealed to fans to maintain discipline, stressing that such behaviour could affect the hosting of similar international events in the future. Security arrangements around the stadium were tightened following the disturbance.
A Historic Yet Mixed Day for Indian Fans
For many Indian supporters, the Lionel Messi India Visit remains a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Fans travelled from different states, some even postponing personal commitments, to witness the football legend in person. The sheer turnout highlighted India’s growing football fan base and Messi’s unmatched global appeal.
Messi arrived in Kolkata late Friday night to scenes of celebration, with fans lining the streets despite the early hours. His India tour is expected to continue over the next few days with appearances in other cities as part of promotional and fan engagement events.
While the brief unrest raised concerns, the overall significance of the Lionel Messi India Visit cannot be understated. It showcased India’s capacity to host global sports icons and reflected the deep emotional connection fans share with the game. Organisers have assured better crowd management for the remainder of Messi’s tour, aiming to ensure that the historic visit concludes on a positive and memorable note.
