Watch | Fans Go Rowdy As Messi's Lap Of Honour At Salt Lake Halted Midway Due To...

Last Updated:December 13, 2025, 14:37 IST

Fans expressed their frustrations by removing the chairs at the stadium and tossing various projectile in a show of their discontent with the organisation of the legend's visit.

Lionel Messi at the Salt Lake Stadium.

Argentine World Cup winner Lionel Messi landed in India on Saturday to commence the GOAT tour 2025 with the Kolkata leg as he unveiled a 70-foot statue of himself at the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town.

However, there were scenes of chaos during Messi’s visit to the Salt Lake Stadium as security breaches forced the genius from Rosario to halt the lap of honour midway.

Fans expressed their frustrations by removing the chairs at the stadium and tossing various projectile in a show of their discontent with the organisation of the legend’s visit.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner expressed his gratitude towards the people of the Capital City of West Bengal for their passion and support for the Albiceleste.

“It is a great pleasure for me to have done this inauguration today because I am very pleased with the support the people of Kolkata give to the national team and to me, and I feel great being here."

Messi arrived in Kolkata early Saturday morning, and the city responded enthusiastically. Thousands of fans gathered at hotels, streets, and landmarks, hoping to catch a glimpse of the man they have admired from afar for years.

This visit marks Messi’s first trip to India since 2011, when he played at the Salt Lake Stadium, helping Argentina edge Venezuela 1-0 in a friendly.

Messi, accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, virtually unveiled the statue from the Hyatt Regency in Kolkata, as fans across the city celebrated the moment with unmistakable fervour.

Installed by the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club at Lake Town in South Dum Dum, the colossal iron structure depicts Messi holding the FIFA World Cup trophy — a nod to his crowning moment with Argentina in Qatar.

The statue has already become a magnet for football lovers, drawing crowds eager to witness a tribute few global stars can claim outside their home country.

West Bengal Minister and Sree Bhumi Sporting Club president Sujit Bose confirmed that Messi had personally approved the project.

News sports football Watch | Fans Go Rowdy As Messi's Lap Of Honour At Salt Lake Halted Midway Due To...

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