What Went Wrong with Messi's GOAT Tour in India?

Lionel Messi’s recent tour of India generated significant excitement but also controversy, particularly during his stop in Kolkata where fan violence erupted due to poor event management. The GOAT India Tour 2025, featuring Messi alongside fellow Inter Miami players Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul, was intended to be a celebration of the football icon's legacy. However, many fans left disappointed after failing to see him in person despite paying hefty ticket prices. This article delves into the details of Messi's tour, the incidents that occurred, and the implications for fans and organisers alike.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The aftermath of Messi's Kolkata appearance has left many fans disillusioned. The incident resulted in clashes between angry supporters and security personnel, leading to vandalism and chaos at the stadium. West Bengal's Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, has announced an investigation into the event's organisation, citing a need for accountability and better management of such high-profile occasions. While the chaos in Kolkata overshadowed the tour's initial excitement, subsequent events in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi reportedly proceeded without incident, allowing fans in those cities to enjoy their experience of meeting the football legend.

Key takeaways

• Lionel Messi's tour included Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi.
• Violence erupted in Kolkata due to mismanagement, leaving many fans dissatisfied.
• Ticket prices varied significantly, with some fans paying as much as £99 for access.

Timeline: how we got here

Messi's tour began on 21 October 2023, starting in Kolkata, with the following schedule:

• 21 October 2023: Kolkata - chaotic events lead to violence and dissatisfaction among fans.
• 21 October 2023: Hyderabad - a successful event where fans enjoyed a full hour with Messi.
• 22 October 2023: Mumbai - Messi met with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.
• 23 October 2023: New Delhi - fans witnessed a lively interaction at Arun Jaitley Stadium.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The most significant new development is the investigation announced by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in response to the Kolkata violence. The inquiry aims to address the poor management that led to the chaos and to ensure accountability among organisers. Furthermore, Satadru Dutta, the event organiser, was arrested and faces 14 days in police custody.

What was already established

Messi's visit to India was notable as it marked his first trip since 2011. The GOAT India Tour was heavily promoted, creating high expectations among fans. However, the issues in Kolkata have overshadowed the tour's overall success, with fans expressing outrage over the lack of access and the presence of celebrities and politicians surrounding Messi instead of the ticket-holding fans.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The incident has wider implications, highlighting the importance of event management, particularly for international stars. Fans, especially in the UK, often seek experiences that allow them to connect with their idols. Such discontent could lead to decreased interest in future events if similar issues arise.

Businesses and jobs

The chaotic scenes in Kolkata may deter future high-profile events in India, affecting local businesses that thrive on tourism and event-related activities. If fans perceive that such events are poorly organised, it could lead to reduced attendance and, consequently, lower revenue for local vendors and service providers.

Policy and regulation

The investigation initiated by the West Bengal government could lead to stricter regulations for event organisation in the future. Authorities might implement more robust oversight mechanisms to prevent similar occurrences, ensuring that fans receive the experiences they pay for.

Numbers that matter

• 3,500 rupees (£29): Base ticket price for Kolkata and Hyderabad.
• 12,000 rupees (£99): Maximum amount paid by some fans for access.
• 1 million rupees (£8,200): Cost of VVIP meet-and-greet tickets.
• 20 minutes: Duration Messi spent at the Kolkata stadium.
• 70ft: Height of the statue unveiled virtually by Messi in Kolkata.

Definitions and jargon buster

• GOAT: An acronym for "Greatest of All Time," commonly used in sports discussions.
• VVIP: Very Very Important Person; a term used to describe premium ticket holders.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, fans should keep an eye on the outcomes of the investigation into the Kolkata incident. This may influence future events and the behaviour of organisers.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Longer-term effects may include changes in policies regarding event management and fan engagement strategies, particularly for international events in India. The scrutiny from the government could lead to improvements in how such events are conducted in the future.

Signals to watch

• Outcomes of the investigation into the Kolkata event.
• Future announcements regarding Messi's potential return to India for promotional events.
• Public reaction to the handling of this situation by local authorities and event organisers.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay informed about updates from the investigation into the Kolkata events.
• Consider attending future events to support improvements in fan engagement.

Don’t

• Don't assume future events will be similar to this experience; each event is organised independently.
• Don't overlook the importance of proper event management and fan access.

Checklist

• Check for updates on the investigation's findings.
• Look out for announcements regarding future events featuring Messi or similar stars.
• Evaluate the cost-to-experience ratio when purchasing tickets for events.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the Kolkata incident has drawn significant attention, it remains unclear how this will affect Messi's public image in India. The events of this tour highlight the fragility of fan engagement, especially in scenarios where expectations are high. The investigation's findings will be critical in shaping future events and determining the accountability of those involved in the organisation.

Bottom line

The chaos surrounding Messi's Kolkata appearance has raised serious concerns about event management in India. While fans in other cities enjoyed their interactions with the football star, the disappointment felt by many in Kolkata could have lasting repercussions for future events. Fans and organisers alike must work towards ensuring that such situations are avoided in the future to preserve the integrity of fan experiences.

FAQs

What happened during Messi's Kolkata tour?

Messi's Kolkata tour was marred by violence and fan dissatisfaction due to poor event management, leading to clashes at the stadium.

How much did the tickets for Messi's tour cost?

Ticket prices ranged from 3,500 rupees (£29) to 1 million rupees (£8,200) for VVIP access, with some fans paying significantly more on resale markets.

What are the implications of the Kolkata incident?

The incident has triggered an investigation into event management practices, which could lead to stricter regulations for future events in India.