Lionel Messi’s much-hyped trip to Kolkata - slated as a highlight of his GOAT India Tour 2025 - spun out of control today, when massive crowds erupted in anger after calling the show chaotic, thanks to sky-high ticket costs but just a brief glimpse of the soccer legend.

Messi showed up in the middle of the night alongside ex-Barca pals Suárez and De Paul, greeted by a buzzing crowd at the airport. Right after, he joined online to reveal a massive 70-foot figure of himself at Sreebhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town - this one showing off his World Cup win.

Still, things went downhill fast at Salt Lake Stadium. People who shelled out big money - some dropping ₹4,366 just to get in, others paying way more for front-row seats - felt let down after Messi showed up onstage for barely 10 to 20 minutes. Instead of playing or performing longer, he did a quick walk around the stage with VIPs like politicians, stars, and event planners, then headed off, supposedly because of safety rules.

Plenty of people, stuck without a decent look - even on big displays - got furious… tossing drinks and seats, tearing up signs, yelling they wanted their money back. Online blew up fast, calling it a rip-off; others said VIPS plus staff hogged Messi, regular fans got left behind.

West Bengal's Governor, CV Ananda Bose, asked the state for a detailed update on how things were set up - raising concerns about steep costs while pointing out that something meant as a community festival felt way too profit-driven.

Critics say this mess stains Kolkata’s image as a place crazy about football - hinting at shady deals and murky planning. Others worry bigger issues lurk behind flashy global events, where politicians grab spotlight moments instead of focusing on what fans actually need.

Even though things got messy in Kolkata, Messi’s trip heads to Hyderabad tonight - then on to Mumbai and later New Delhi. With more people demanding answers, organisers have to sort out fan complaints fast or risk bigger problems down the line.

The episode kicked off a bigger conversation about how events are run in India when big international acts come through - lots say real fans should’ve gotten more out of such a rare chance to see one of football’s all-time legends