Salt Lake Stadium Chaos: What was meant to be a proud, emotional moment for Indian football ended in confusion and heartbreak. Lionel Messi’s India visit to Kolkata, eagerly awaited by thousands of fans, lasted barely ten minutes at the Salt Lake Stadium. Soon after arriving, the Argentine legend left the venue, visibly unhappy. Later reports confirmed what fans feared—Lionel Messi’s upset with mismanagement was the reason behind his sudden exit.
For Kolkata football fans, the night turned from celebration to chaos in no time.
Huge Hopes, Massive Crowd at Salt Lake Stadium
Kolkata lives and breathes football. So when news broke that Lionel Messi would visit the city, excitement reached another level. Tickets sold out quickly, with prices ranging from ₹4,500 to ₹10,000. Fans travelled from across West Bengal and nearby states, hoping to see the World Cup winner in person.
The Salt Lake Stadium was packed hours before the scheduled event. Chants echoed in the stands. Flags were raised. Mobile phones were ready. Everyone waited for one moment—Messi’s appearance.
That moment never truly came.
Lionel Messi Upset with Mismanagement Minutes After Arrival
According to people present at the stadium, Messi initially looked relaxed as he met players and officials. But things soon began to fall apart. There was no clear movement plan. Messi was reportedly made to walk back and forth, surrounded by security, with no proper interaction arranged for fans.
Former India footballer Lalkamal Bhowmick later revealed that Messi seemed confused and irritated. At one point, Messi was heard questioning why he was being moved around without purpose.
That reaction made one thing clear—Lionel Messi’s upset with mismanagement was not speculation. The event lacked coordination, clarity, and basic planning.
Salt Lake Stadium Chaos Erupts After Messi Leaves
Within ten minutes, Messi decided to leave the venue. When news spread inside the stadium, anger erupted. Most fans had not even seen him properly.
The Salt Lake Stadium chaos unfolded quickly. Chairs were thrown. Water bottles flew. Some fans rushed towards the field in protest. Police struggled to control the crowd, and the Rapid Action Force was called in to restore order.
Many fans felt cheated. They believed paying supporters were pushed behind while VVIP guests occupied prime spots. Allegations soon surfaced that political supporters were given priority access.
For Kolkata football fans, it felt like betrayal.
Simple Ideas Ignored by Organisers
Several former footballers later said the situation could have been handled better with basic fan-friendly ideas. Former international Dipendu Biswas revealed he had suggested a simple plan—Messi and his teammates could take a slow lap around the stadium in an open vehicle.
That alone would have allowed fans from all stands to see Messi, even briefly. Biswas pointed out that this was a fan event, and people had spent thousands just for a glimpse.
The suggestion was ignored. That decision proved costly and contributed directly to the Salt Lake Stadium chaos.
Sourav Ganguly Wanted Him to ‘Stay Longer’
As the situation worsened, senior officials and sports personalities tried to step in. Among them was former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly.
Witnesses say Sourav Ganguly wanted him to ‘stay longer’ and personally requested Messi’s team to reconsider leaving. His appeal reflected the emotions of the city and the desperation to save the evening.
Despite the request, Messi’s team stood firm. Feeling uncomfortable and unhappy with the arrangements, Messi, along with teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, left the stadium.
Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, who was also expected to attend the event, reportedly exited soon after witnessing the disorder.
Official Apology After Lionel Messi’s India Visit Ends Poorly
The incident triggered widespread criticism. Facing backlash, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued a public apology. She expressed regret to Lionel Messi and sports fans for the unfortunate incident.
The apology acknowledged failures in organization. However, for many fans, the damage had already been done.
The episode raised serious questions about planning, crowd control, and India’s ability to host global sports icons.
A Night Kolkata Football Fans Won’t Forget
For Kolkata football fans, the night will always be remembered with disappointment. The city that worships football was denied a proper moment with one of the game’s greatest players.
The confirmation that Lionel Messi was upset with mismanagement, which led to his early exit, only deepened the frustration. The fact that Sourav Ganguly wanted him to ‘stay longer’ but could not change the outcome shows how badly the situation spiraled.
Conclusion: Lessons from Salt Lake Stadium Chaos
The events at Salt Lake Stadium offer an important lesson. Big names and big crowds demand even bigger planning. Passion alone is not enough.
Lionel Messi’s India visit had the potential to inspire millions. Instead, it became a story of poor coordination and missed chances. The Salt Lake Stadium chaos, the heartbreak of Kolkata football fans, and images of Lionel Messi Upset with mismanagement, despite Sourav Ganguly wanting him to stay longer, will remain a reminder of how quickly great moments can fall apart.