Man shares video showing crowd chaos at Kolkata stadium after limited glimpse of Lionel Messi: ‘Messi we saw’
Posted on: Dec 13, 2025 19:17 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
A plane section of the crowd together at Yubha Bharati Krirangan bowl in Kolkata’s Salt Lake lost their cool on Saturday after failing to get a proper glimpse of Lionel Messi during the first leg of the Argentine football legend’s GOAT India Tour. The situation escalated as bottles and chairs were hurled, stadium property was damaged and police were forced to intervene to restore order.
(Also read: Lionel Messi’s early departure sparks chaos; fans run riot, vandalise Salt Lake Stadium, hurl bottles, burn chairs)
Soon after the incident, an Instagram user named Mayank Agarwal shared a video showing a stark contrast between expectation and reality. In the opening frames, Agarwal and his family are seen posing cheerfully with a Messi poster. The video then cuts to scenes from inside the stadium, where they are holding tickets ahead of the event.
The mood shifts dramatically in the final frames, which show fans throwing bottles and vandalising parts of the stadium. The text overlaid on the clip read as: “Messi we wanted to see vs Messi we saw”. The video quickly gained traction online, reflecting the frustration felt by many in attendance.
Check out the video here:
Messi landed in Kolkata at 2:26 am and began his day by virtually unveiling a 70 feet tall statue in the city. He entered the Salt Lake Stadium around 11:30 am but was immediately surrounded by political leaders, former footballers, coaches and members of the organising committee.
This left little opportunity for fans seated in the packed stands to catch a clear glimpse of the Argentine star. According to eyewitnesses, Messi remained on the ground for a brief period before leaving under tight security, prompting loud boos across the stadium.
As Messi exited the venue, sections of the crowd lost patience and began hurling bottles and posters. The anger was fuelled by the high ticket prices, which ranged between ₹4,500 and ₹10,000. Many fans had hoped to see Messi perform some dribbling skills, interact with the crowd or at least address them briefly.
Minutes after his departure, parts of the crowd moved towards the centre of the stadium, where temporary structures and tents were vandalised. Fibreglass seats were damaged, forcing police to step in.
With the situation spiralling, the Rapid Action Force was deployed to bring the crowd under control. Authorities eventually managed to disperse the fans and prevent further damage.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.