Kolkata’s Messi Moment: A Spectacle of Stardom, Scandal, and Staggering Costs

Updated: December 21, 2025 22:30

Image Source: Youtube

Lionel Messi’s Kolkata event, billed as a historic football moment, turned chaotic as fans barely saw him before he left after 20 minutes, sparking anger and vandalism. Organizers reportedly paid Messi Rs 89 crore, with Rs 11 crore in taxes, amid investigations into the event’s mismanagement.

Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated Kolkata appearance on the GOAT India Tour 2025 ended in a spectacle of chaos, controversy, and fan fury, with reports revealing that the Argentine superstar was paid a staggering Rs 89 crore for his India visit, and the government collected an additional Rs 11 crore in taxes. The event, meant to be a grand celebration, lasted only 20 minutes before escalating into vandalism and unrest, leaving thousands of fans disappointed and authorities scrambling to restore order.

Key Highlights:

Record-Breaking Appearance Fee
Messi’s India tour was reportedly the most expensive in Indian football history, with his appearance fee pegged at Rs 89 crore, while the government collected Rs 11 crore in taxes. This makes it one of the highest-paid non-competitive appearances by any international sports star in India.
Chaos at Salt Lake Stadium
Messi’s Kolkata leg was marred by chaos as fans, many of whom paid thousands for tickets, were unable to get a proper glimpse of their idol. After just 20 minutes, Messi was whisked away by security amid rising tension, leading to fans throwing chairs, bottles, and damaging parts of the stadium.
Fan Anger and Vandalism
Thousands of fans, disappointed by the fleeting appearance and obstructed views, expressed their frustration by vandalizing the stadium. The event, originally scheduled for two hours, ended abruptly, with no planned meetings with Shah Rukh Khan, Sourav Ganguly, or Mamata Banerjee.
Official Apology and Inquiry
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued a public apology for the “mismanagement” and announced an inquiry committee to probe the incident. Authorities have also launched investigations into the organizer and are considering legal action for the damages.
Ticket Pricing and Fan Experience
Ticket prices for the Kolkata event started at Rs 4,366 and went up to Rs 16,000 for premium access. Fans who paid for exclusive meet-and-greet sessions, costing up to Rs 10 lakh, were left especially aggrieved as promised interactions did not materialize.