Police Detain Messi India Visit Organiser After Fans Riot at Kolkata Stadium

Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated visit to India descended into chaos on Saturday after scenes of disorder broke out at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, cutting short the Argentine football icon’s appearance and leaving fans frustrated and angry. What was meant to be a celebratory moment for Indian football supporters quickly turned into a security nightmare, prompting police to detain the chief organiser of the event.

The incident unfolded after Messi appeared briefly at the ticketed event, staying for only 20 minutes instead of the scheduled 45 minutes. Thousands of fans, many of whom had travelled long distances and paid premium prices for tickets, reacted angrily as it became clear the appearance would be far shorter than promised.

Tickets for the event were priced from around 3,500 rupees, an amount that exceeds half of the average weekly income in India. Some fans claimed they paid significantly more through unofficial channels, with one supporter saying he spent $130 to attend. Expectations were high, and the disappointment was immediate and intense when Messi exited the stadium quickly.

As frustration grew inside the venue, parts of the crowd began throwing objects onto the pitch. Ripped-up seats and debris were hurled toward the field, while several individuals climbed over the perimeter fence and invaded the playing area. Security struggled to regain control as the situation escalated, raising concerns about the safety of both fans and players.

What went wrong during Lionel Messi’s India visit?

Many supporters blamed poor planning and weak crowd control for the disorder. Fans reported confusion, lack of clear communication, and inadequate security measures despite the scale of the event and Messi’s global stature. One attendee described the experience as deeply disappointing after making a long journey to see the football star.

“I can’t believe there was so much mismanagement,” said Eddie Lal Hmangaihzuala, who had travelled nearly 1,500 km from Mizoram over two days to attend the event.

“Messi left quickly, I think he felt unsafe. I hardly got a glimpse of him,” he told Reuters.

The organisers of the tour did not immediately respond to requests for comment, further fueling public anger and speculation. As videos of the chaos spread across social media, criticism mounted over how the event was handled and why contingency plans failed to prevent the unrest.

Why was the event organiser detained by police?

Following the incident, police moved swiftly to address the breakdown in order. Satadru Dutta, identified as the chief organiser of Messi’s India visit, was detained by authorities as investigations into the mismanagement began. The decision was confirmed by senior police officials in West Bengal.

Satadru Dutta, the event’s chief organiser, has been detained by police, said Rajeev Kumar, director general of West Bengal police.

“We’ve already detained the main organiser,” Rajeev Kumar told reporters. “We’re taking action so that this mismanagement does not go unpunished.”

Police sources indicated that the detention was part of efforts to establish accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future. The chaos raised serious questions about event licensing, safety planning, and whether organisers adequately prepared for the size and passion of the crowd Messi attracts worldwide.

Messi’s brief appearance and quick exit suggested concerns over personal safety, adding to the disappointment of fans who expected a more engaging experience. For many, the event symbolised missed opportunity, not only for supporters but also for Indian football, which continues to seek greater global recognition.

As investigations continue, the incident has sparked broader debate about hosting high-profile international stars in India, ticket pricing, and crowd management standards. While Messi’s visit was meant to be historic, it has instead become a cautionary tale about planning, responsibility, and the consequences of failing to meet public expectations.

By Yockshard Enyendi