The organisers of Lionel Messi’s GOAT Tour event in Kolkata have been arrested following widespread chaos and alleged mismanagement at the Salt Lake Stadium, West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar confirmed on Saturday.
Messi’s Kolkata leg of the tour descended into disorder after the Argentine football icon left the stadium early, triggering anger among fans who had paid high ticket prices. Supporters hurled bottles, tore seats, and attempted to breach barricades inside the venue, alleging poor event management and accusing politicians and VIPs of blocking their view of the football star.
As the situation escalated, police personnel used mild force to disperse the crowd and prevent vandalism of the ground, including the tented area and goalposts. Authorities said the incident was confined to the Salt Lake Stadium and was brought under control.
Confirming the arrest, DGP Rajeev Kumar said the organisers had failed to manage expectations regarding Messi’s appearance.
“There was some kind of anger or anxiety among fans as they expected Messi to play. The plan was that he would come, wave, meet certain people and leave,” Kumar said, adding that the government has already constituted a committee to examine all aspects of the incident, including possible lapses by the organisers.
He further stated that compensation for disappointed fans was being considered.
“The organiser is giving in writing that the tickets sold should be refunded. We have already detained the organiser. The situation is now under control,” Kumar said.
#WATCH | Kolkata: On the Chaos at Messi’s Kolkata event, West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar says, “There was some kind of anger or anxiety in the fans saying that he’s not playing. The plan was that he would come here, wave, meet certain people and leave. Now the government has already… pic.x.com/WMomQ5KgDb
— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2025
West Bengal Additional Director General (ADG) Law and Order, Jawed Shamim, confirmed that an FIR has been lodged and the chief organiser has been arrested.
“There is normalcy now. Traffic is normal, people have returned home. The incident has been localised to the Salt Lake Stadium,” Shamim said, adding that authorities would ensure strict action against those responsible.
#WATCH | Kolkata: On the Chaos at Messi’s Kolkata event, Additional Director General (ADG) Law and Order Jawed Shamim says, “There is normalcy now. The second part is the investigation; the FIR has been lodged, and the chief organiser has been arrested… I’m telling you, they… pic.x.com/GRqz03wPvp
— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2025
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose also added his take on the matter, saying, “The organizer has been arrested and an investigation has been done and the arrest should take place immedietly.”
#WATCH | Kolkata | On Salt Lake Stadium vandalism, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose says, “The organizer has been arrested and an investigation has been done…” https://t.co/hZUwy9hMLC pic.x.com/6HLFgKCWvs
— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2025
Officials said discussions are underway with the organising committee regarding the refund process for fans who were unable to see Messi during the event.