The splinters from Lionel Messi’s chaotic visit to Kolkata appear to have just begun. Indian authorities announced this Saturday an investigation following the riots that led to the football player having to be evacuated from a crowded stadium Allegations of political corruption and fraud against the organizers. The crisis erupted after the Argentine star had to abandon the event due to 22 minutes throwing objects and entering the security area. In addition, the football association separated from organizing the arrival of the Rosario.
“Deeply dismayed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed at Salt Lake Stadium today.”the head of government of the state of West Bengal said in a statement: Mamata Banerjee.
#REGARD | West Bengal | Images from outside the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, where angry fans of football star Lionel Messi vandalized the stadium earlier today, accusing them of mismanagement of the event. pic.twitter.com/oQL4gx6OJ5
– ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2025
Banerjee announced the setting up of a committee headed by retired judge Ashim Kumar Raywith the order of Debug responsibility for security errors This put the Inter Miami star in danger and caused police chaos in the city.
The Indian Deputy Education Minister, Sukanta Majumderaccused the region’s ruling party of “hijacking” the event and causing the disaster through a corruption scheme in ticket sales.
West Bengal Governor Ananda Bose expressed the same opinion: “This was a result of mismanagement. The organizer who held this event did not make necessary arrangements for such a large gathering… The guidelines issued to the government suggest: Order a judicial inquiry into the event… Immediate arrest of the organizer, refund of the tickets, immediate freezing of his account, compensation for damage to the public property of the stadium, attending to the injured and taking responsibility by the organizer and the government… The police has failed its government itself and the government…Constitution…Strict action must be taken against the culprits of these misdeeds…What happened has embarrassed India…Use of Messi and sports for profit must be banned…I am sure the government will investigate the matter and I am happy that the proposal to order a judicial inquiry has been accepted…”
#REGARD | Calcutta | On the vandalism at Salt Lake Stadium, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose says, “This was due to mismanagement. The organizer who conducted this event did not take necessary precautions while holding such a large congregation…The proposal for… pic.twitter.com/kavX9gN4mq
– ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2025
The controversy arose at Salt Lake Stadium, where Thousands of fans reported fraud after paying for expensive tickets and seeing how a wall of politicians and officials blocked the player’s view to take photos, thus preventing the sporting spectacle.
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Madness for Messi upon his arrival in Calcutta
After the riots in the stadium and the protests in the players’ hotel Messi’s entourage left Kolkata amid tight security to continue his tour in the city of Hyderabad.
Safety and security remain our top priority.#IndianFootball ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/pOUPJ7IXCs
— Indian Football (@IndianFootball) December 13, 2025
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is deeply concerned by the events at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, where thousands of fans gathered to watch world football stars Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul. This was a private event organized by a PR agency. The AIFF was in no way involved in the organization, planning or execution of this event. Furthermore, the AIFF was not informed of the details of the event nor was any approval obtained from the association. We call on all participants to cooperate fully with the relevant authorities and maintain order. The safety of everyone involved must remain the top priority.
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