Lionel Messi’s GOAT Tour Day 1 delivers wild scenes in Kolkata before smooth turn in Hyderabad
Lionel Messi’s GOAT India Tour got off to a dramatic start on Day 1, with crowd chaos breaking out in Kolkata before a well-run, smooth event unfolded in Hyderabad. Here’s a look at how the tour went from disorderly to calm in the two cities.
Day 1 of the ‘GOAT India Tour’ with Lionel Messi had it all: chaos, disappointment and finally some magic. Things started off crazy in Kolkata and ended on a much higher note in Hyderabad. You could feel Messi’s pull everywhere, but the day also revealed just how difficult it is to manage a superstar’s visit.
Calcutta: Great Expectations, Great Disappointment
Messi landed in Calcutta early on Saturday, accompanied by Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul. The city was buzzing; fans had been waiting in the cold all night just to catch a glimpse. This place lives and breathes Argentinian football and they were not going to let this moment pass quietly.
First, Messi unveiled the 22-meter giant iron statue carrying the World Cup trophy at the Sree Bhumi Sports Club. Fans wandering around the airport and hotel wanted to take another look at their hero.
Leo Messi unveils his 70-meter statue in Kolkata.
He tells how happy he is to be here pic.twitter.com/1690fKRx1X
— We Are Messi (@WeAreMessi) December 13, 2025
But things quickly turned sour at Salt Lake Stadium. The crowd was huge; People had paid big money, hoping to see the hall of fame and perhaps a football clinic. Instead, as soon as Messi walked in, he was surrounded by organisers, security, politicians and VIPs. Fans could barely see him from the stands. Frustration boiled over. Chants of “we want Messi” filled the air and then things got ugly; Bottles and plastic chairs started flying onto the field. Although the event was planned to last two hours, Messi left in less than half an hour.
This horror turned out to be a festival that ended in tension and violence. Lionel Messi’s performance on the “GOAT Tour” marco in Kolkata, India generated tremendous anticipation, but his performance in the stands at Salt Lake Stadium was, if only briefly,… pic.twitter.com/Czsm2wDics
— TyC Sports (@TyCSports) December 13, 2025
When it was finished the stadium looked like a dump. Angry fans smashed the seats and destroyed the barricades. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologized on television and promised an investigation. Main organizer Satadru Dutta was detained and officials said fans would receive refunds.
Hyderabad: We Are Back on the Road
After the turmoil in Kolkata, Messi and his team set out for Hyderabad. This time the organizers took no chances. At the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, security was tight, the event was much more controlled and everything was going smoothly.
Messi, Suárez and De Paul played a leisurely exhibition match, conducted a football clinic and met politicians such as Telangana Prime Minister Revanth Reddy and Rahul Gandhi. They spent time on the field hanging out with local kids, participating in penalty kicks and listening to the chants. Messi even took the microphone to thank the crowd for their love.
MESSI WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HYDERABAD…!!!! pic.twitter.com/dh90wvhzGx
—Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 13, 2025
Football legend Lionel Messi addressed Indian fans.
He was accompanied by LoP Rahul Gandhi Ji and Telangana CM Revanth Reddy…. pic.twitter.com/sGTRbgUqYG
— Shantanu (@shaandelhite) December 13, 2025
So Day 1 of the tour was a rollercoaster. Kolkata’s chaos showed how quickly things can fall apart when planning goes awry, but Hyderabad got things back on track. The difference between the two cities was stark, and the lesson is clear: When Messi comes to town, you better be ready. Now all eyes are on Mumbai and Delhi to see if they can get it right.
Also read| Will Virat Kohli meet Lionel Messi during the GOAT tour in Mumbai? Here’s what we know
