The much-anticipated Kolkata leg of the G.O.A.T. Tour of Lionel Messi ended in disappointment and anger among fans on Saturday, with many claiming they barely got a glimpse of the Argentine football legend despite paying heavy ticket prices.
The event was held at the Salt Lake Stadium and had been attended by thousands of ardent supporters who bought tickets priced from ₹5,000 to as high as ₹25,000. Hopes ran high among fans as one expected Messi to interact with the people, do a lap of victory around the stadium, or wave acknowledgement to the soccer-crazy citizens of the city. Instead, for the large part of the crowd, these hopes rapidly gave way to frustration.
As reported by fans who attended the event, Messi showed up at the stadium at around 11:15 a.m. but left way earlier than many had hoped. Many in attendance claimed that his sight was highly short and remained very disorganized such that the entire crowd could not catch full glimpse of him. Because of the size of the stadium and the seating arrangement, some fans on the back said that they didn’t even see Messi enter the pitch.
The event was described by one disgruntled fan as an “absolute disgrace,” fueled by anger about lack of engagement by the football icon. According to the fan, Messi did not take a full lap of the stadium-a small gesture that people felt was the bare minimum required for an event celebrating him. Others similarly expressed disappointments on social media, stating that the organizers failed to deliver what was promised.
Videos and posts circulating online show fans voicing disappointment, questioning the planning and management of the event. Many argued that if Messi’s time at the venue was going to be so limited, then the organisers should have been upfront with attendees in advance. Some fans also criticised the organisers for a lack of large screens or proper arrangements allowing those seated farther away to see Messi more clearly.
Messi’s brief 5-minute appearance sparked chaos at Salt Lake Stadium, West Bengal as angry fans turned violent, throwing bottles, belts, chairs and vandalising hoardings.#Messi #GOAT #MessiInIndia
pic.twitter.com/PwRzP7BDeD— Sarcasm (@sarcastic_us) December 13, 2025
For a city like Kolkata, often referred to as the football capital of India, the event was expected to be a historic one; instead, it has left a bad taste among fans who felt cheated after investing so much money and time.
With growing outrage, fans have sought explanations from the event organizers for Messi’s early exit and the manner in which the G.O.A.T. Tour was organized in Kolkata. No official clarification has been issued so far to address the grievances of disappointed attendees. What should have been a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of a football legend has become an outrage that raises questions as to how many fans feel it lived up to its grand promise.
