Lionel Messi "Began Showing Signs Of Irritation, Lost His Cool": What Transpired In Kolkata Stadium
December 13 was an unforgettable day for Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium.
- NDTV Sports Desk
- Updated: December 14, 2025 07:54 am IST
- Lionel Messi Kolkata visit turned into a huge chaos as the crowd at the Salt Lake Stadium turned violent
- Messi stayed on the field for only 20 to 25 minutes before being escorted out due to crowd issues
- Over 100 people, including politicians and security, swarmed Messi, causing discomfort and irritation
December 13 was an unforgettable day for Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium, which hosted football icon Lionel Messi. Fans in huge numbers made it to the stadium, paying whopping ticket prices just to get a glimpse of the Argentine superstar, but left dejected over the turn of events at the venue. Messi could remain for only 20 to 25 minutes before being escorted out. As he appeared on the ground, Messi was swarmed by more than 100 people, including several politicians, dignitaries, and security personnel. As fans failed to see him, they turned violent, forcing the player to leave the ground.
Former India midfielder Lalkamal Bhowmick, who was one of the players in the exhibition match that took place between Mohun Bagan Messi XI and the Diamond Harbour Messi XI, revealed that the Argentine superstar got irritated and lost his cool over what traspired at the venue.
"Everything was going fine at the start as Messi walked into the stadium. He seemed relaxed, smiling, and shaking hands with all of us. He even gave autographs without hesitation," Bhowmick told Sports Now.
"The moment too many people rushed onto the field and started clicking pictures, he became visibly uncomfortable," he added.
As the situation turned from bad to worse, Messi failed to keep his cool.
"It got overcrowded very quickly, and we could see his reaction change as everyone around him started clicking pictures. He began showing signs of irritation, lost his cool, and everything went out of control," Bhowmick said.
The former India footballer added that Messi's security team, as well as Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, were also unhappy with the mismanagement. Bhowmick explained that this ultimately led to the event being cut short.
Notably, Messi's Inter Miami teammates Suarez and Rodrigo are also a part of his GOAT Tour of India.