Seats torn out as Lionel Messi’s India tour sours in Kolkata

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·13 December 2025

Seats torn out as Lionel Messi’s India tour sours in Kolkata

Seats were ripped out and thrown onto the pitch at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium after Lionel Messi made only a brief appearance during a promotional tour on Saturday, ANI reported.

The visit lasted just minutes, leaving many in the stands frustrated that they had barely seen the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

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One attendee said they had paid 12,000 rupees, about €113, yet could not even see his face.

Messi is in India for a three-day programme that includes concerts, youth football clinics, a padel tournament and charity initiatives, with events scheduled in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi.

A 21-metre statue has been erected in his honour in Kolkata.

Source: L'Équipe