Messi's Kolkata Debacle: Lessons in India's Event Management Crisis

In 2025, the arrival of global football icon Lionel Messi in India was anticipated as a celebration of the sport's growing popularity in the country. However, his visit to Kolkata turned into a stark revelation of systemic issues plaguing large-scale events in India. Rather than showcasing the nation's passion for football, the event exposed deep-rooted problems such as entrenched VIP culture, inadequate management practices, and a general lack of civic sense among participants and organisers alike. This editorial examines the incident in a neutral, educational manner, drawing lessons from the fiasco to propose constructive pathways for reform. By analysing the sequence of events, comparing it with successful counterparts in other Indian cities, and exploring potential solutions, we aim to foster a better understanding of how India can host international events more effectively as it continues to grow economically and culturally.

To provide context, Lionel Messi, the Argentine footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, has won multiple Ballon d'Or awards and led his national team to victory in the FIFA World Cup. His 2025 tour of India was organised to promote football and engage with fans across several cities, including Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. Kolkata, known for its fervent football fandom dating back to colonial times, was chosen as the starting point. The city's historic Salt Lake Stadium, with a capacity of over 68,000, has hosted numerous international matches, making it a fitting venue. Yet, the event's execution fell short, leading to widespread disappointment and international scrutiny.

The Chaos in Kolkata: A Detailed Account

The Kolkata leg of Messi's tour was marred by mismanagement from the outset. Tickets were sold to the general public at prices ranging from ₹4,000 to ₹10,000, attracting thousands of eager fans. Reports suggested that some individuals paid up to ₹10 lakh for exclusive access, such as photo opportunities with Messi. However, the event prioritised VIPs—including political leaders, actors, and football promoters—over paying attendees. This led to a situation where common fans felt cheated, as they were unable to get close to the star despite their investment.

Upon arrival at the venue, Messi was expected to participate in a two-hour event featuring interactions with prominent personalities. Promotional materials hyped appearances by figures like Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan and former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, alongside West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. In reality, none of these interactions materialised as planned. Messi appeared on the ground for merely 20 minutes before departing amid the disorder.

Visual accounts from fans depicted a scene of pandemonium. Security barriers were breached as so-called VIPs swarmed Messi, attempting selfies and personal interactions, disregarding protocols. This not only compromised Messi's safety but also highlighted a blatant disregard for organised conduct. Fans shared clips on social media showing security personnel, including police and possibly military staff, more focused on capturing their own photos than maintaining order. One attendee lamented paying ₹12,000 only to catch a distant glimpse of Messi, surrounded exclusively by leaders and celebrities.

The frustration escalated into vandalism. Enraged fans stormed the stadium, breaking chairs and causing damage to the infrastructure. Images circulated showing crowds out of control, with security forces failing to contain the mob behaviour. This reaction, while understandable in the heat of the moment, exacerbated the situation and drew negative international media coverage. Outlets like the BBC reported headlines such as "Angry Fans Throw Chairs and Bottles at Messi Event in India," further tarnishing the country's image as a host for global events.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued a public apology, expressing deep disturbance over the mismanagement. She extended sincere regrets to Messi and all sports enthusiasts, announcing the formation of an inquiry committee to investigate the responsible parties. This response acknowledged the failures but also underscored the need for accountability in event organisation.

Contrasts with Other Cities

In stark contrast, the same tour's events in other cities proceeded smoothly. For instance, the Hyderabad event on the same day was hailed as successful by attendees. Fans reported better security planning, controlled VIP access, and professional crowd management. Similar positive feedback emerged from Mumbai, though there were minor incidents where Bollywood celebrities' presence drew boos from the crowd, possibly due to perceptions of irrelevance in a sports-focused event.

The New Delhi finale, despite the city's notorious winter air quality issues—with AQI levels often exceeding 300—managed to avoid major disruptions. This disparity highlights that execution quality varies significantly across regions, even with the same organisers. Factors such as local administrative support, venue preparedness, and enforcement of protocols played crucial roles. In Hyderabad, for example, stricter access controls ensured that paying fans received value for their tickets, fostering a more equitable experience.

Exposing Systemic Flaws: VIP Culture

One of the most glaring issues revealed by the Kolkata event is India's pervasive VIP culture. This societal divide treats certain individuals—politicians, bureaucrats, celebrities, and influencers—as superior, granting them privileges that bypass standard rules. In the context of the Messi event, VIPs received preferential access, sidelining ordinary fans who had purchased tickets. Political leaders, who likely contributed nothing financially, enjoyed special time with Messi, while ticket-holders were left disappointed.

VIP culture extends beyond events; it permeates everyday life in India. For instance, separate queues for VIPs at temples, airports, and government offices reinforce inequality. Even in religious settings, where all devotees should be equal, VIP lines allow the elite to skip the waits endured by the masses. This practice sends a damaging message: some citizens are more valuable than others.

Historically, VIP culture in India stems from colonial legacies and post-independence power structures. In 2025, with India's economy booming as the world's third-largest by nominal GDP, such disparities are increasingly untenable. Extra information from recent studies, such as a 2024 report by the Centre for Policy Research, indicates that VIP privileges cost the public sector millions annually in inefficiencies and lost productivity. Moreover, they erode public trust in institutions.

To address this, reforms must start at the top. Leaders and officials should be reminded of their role as public servants, not rulers. Mandating training programmes for bureaucrats and police on equality and service could help. Additionally, public campaigns, similar to those in Scandinavian countries where even royals queue with citizens, might shift societal norms. Legally, amending laws to eliminate VIP exemptions in public spaces would be a step forward. The Messi incident serves as a wake-up call: without curbing VIP culture, India risks perpetuating inequality and hindering its global aspirations.

Poor Management: Lessons from Execution Failures

The Kolkata debacle also spotlighted deficiencies in event management. Overcrowding, inadequate security, and unfulfilled promises turned hype into disappointment. Organisers, led by promoter Shradro Dutta—who has a history of bringing international football stars to India—faced scrutiny. Dutta was briefly arrested for questioning, with authorities examining contract compliance. Police even suggested refunding ticket prices, recognising the breach of consumer expectations.

Effective event management requires meticulous planning, including risk assessments, crowd flow simulations, and contingency plans. In Kolkata, these were evidently lacking. Comparative data from international events, such as the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, shows how technology like AI-driven crowd monitoring and RFID ticketing can prevent chaos. In India, adopting similar tools could enhance safety and efficiency.

Furthermore, the involvement of multiple stakeholders—government, private organisers, and security forces—demands clear coordination. The inquiry into the Kolkata event could set precedents for standardised guidelines. As India hosts more global spectacles, like the 2036 Olympics bid, investing in professional training for event managers is essential. Institutions like the Indian Institute of Management offer courses in event logistics, which could be expanded to include crisis management modules tailored to large crowds.

Lack of Civic Sense: A Societal Reflection

Perhaps the most profound issue is the apparent lack of civic sense among attendees and officials. The vandalism in Kolkata exemplified mob mentality, where frustration led to destructive actions rather than constructive complaints. This behaviour stems from a broader distrust in systems: many Indians believe formal channels for justice are ineffective, prompting immediate, chaotic responses.

Civic sense encompasses respect for public property, adherence to rules, and consideration for others. In educational terms, it can be fostered through school curricula emphasising responsibility and empathy. Countries like Japan, where civic education is integrated from early childhood, demonstrate low instances of public disorder. In India, initiatives such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan have improved cleanliness awareness, but extending this to event etiquette is needed.

Statistics from a 2025 survey by the National Sample Survey Office reveal that 45% of urban Indians report low confidence in consumer redressal mechanisms, fueling such outbursts. Building trust requires efficient dispute resolution, like fast-track consumer courts for event-related grievances. Moreover, media literacy campaigns could discourage hype-driven expectations, encouraging realistic attendance.

Consumer Rights in Focus

Under the Consumer Protection Act 2019, updated in 2025 with digital amendments, consumers have rights to fair value, safety, and redressal. For live events, specific clauses could mandate minimum performance durations and transparent disclosures. If unfulfilled, automatic refunds should apply. Organisers might mitigate risks through insurance, ensuring the burden doesn't fall on attendees.

Internationally, examples like the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's guidelines for event promotions provide models. In India, advocating for event-specific regulations could protect fans, especially as the entertainment industry grows to a projected ₹2.5 trillion by 2027.

Pathways to Improvement: Constructive Solutions

Addressing these flaws requires a multi-pronged approach. First, eliminate VIP culture through policy changes and public advocacy. Second, enhance management via technology and training. Third, promote civic sense through education and trust-building.

Collectively, citizens can demand accountability by supporting petitions and boycotting poorly managed events. Legally, strengthening consumer laws and enforcing penalties on organisers and disruptors alike would deter future issues. Systematically, integrating event management into urban planning—upgrading infrastructure like stadiums with modern amenities—will prepare India for global stages.

In 2025, as India positions itself as a superpower, events like Messi's tour offer opportunities for reflection. By learning from Kolkata's mistakes, the nation can ensure future gatherings celebrate unity and excellence, rather than division and disorder.

The Messi Kolkata incident, while regrettable, provides invaluable lessons. It underscores the need for equity, professionalism, and responsibility in public events. As India evolves, embracing these changes will not only improve domestic experiences but also enhance its international reputation. Ultimately, a collective commitment to reform can transform such debacles into catalysts for positive change.