Messi's appearance was abruptly cut short after 20 mins as fans began throwing debris in reaction to being kept at a distance from the star

IShowSpeed's viral reaction to Messi's India presence highlighted a deep, generational football connection, particularly in Kolkata. This passion, rooted in the Maradona era of 1986 and strengthened by Messi's 2011 visit,

The 45-year-old self-described sports entrepreneur and influencer has been arrested for Saturday's fiasco at Kolkata's Salt Lake stadium and sent to police custody for 14 days.

The iron sculpture in Kolkata, which shows Messi holding aloft the World Cup, is part of a so-called GOAT Tour that will take in four Indian cities and a possible meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The 38-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami superstar will unveil the monument virtually rather than in person for security reasons.

Lionel Messi India Visit Day 2: After an eventful Day 1 marked by chaos in Kolkata and a memorable fan interaction in Hyderabad, the Argentine legend now gears up for an event in Mumbai.

Flying in from Miami via Dubai, the World Cup-winning captain arrived at Kolkata airport as thousands of fans waved Argentina flags and chanted his name, hoping for a brief glimpse.

Organiser Satadru Dutta has been detained over mismanagement after Kolkata's Salt Lake stadium chaos. Lionel Messi’s GOAT India Tour 2025, a three-day fan-focused visit, officially started in Kolkata on 13 December.