KOLKATA: Chaos erupted at Kolkata’s iconic Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday after football legend Lionel Messi abruptly left the venue during his much-anticipated visit to India, triggering angry scenes as disappointed fans broke barricades and stormed the pitch. The incident occurred during Messi’s three-day visit to the country as part of a high-profile promotional trip widely referred to as the GOAT Tour.
The 38-year-old Argentina captain and Inter Miami superstar arrived in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal earlier in the day to a massive welcome, with thousands of supporters lining the streets and chanting his name. Messi’s popularity in India, particularly in West Bengal and Kerala, is immense, and expectations were high for his appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
Thousands of fans, many dressed in Argentina jerseys and waving blue-and-white flags, filled the stadium hours before Messi’s arrival. However, heavy security arrangements and poor crowd management meant that most spectators were unable to get a clear view of the football icon. Messi briefly walked around the pitch, waved to fans and then exited the stadium earlier than scheduled, sparking outrage among attendees.
Frustration quickly turned into chaos as some fans ripped out plastic seats, hurled water bottles and rushed onto the pitch. Banners and temporary tents were vandalised, forcing security personnel to intervene. Many spectators said they had paid significant sums for tickets, with prices reportedly exceeding $100 for premium seating.
“For me, watching Messi is a dream,” said 37-year-old businessman Nabin Chatterjee. “But due to mismanagement, I couldn’t even get a glimpse of him. This was heartbreaking.”
Before leaving, Messi unveiled a massive 21-metre statue depicting him holding the FIFA World Cup trophy, a moment that briefly delighted fans. He was also expected to take part in a short exhibition event, which was ultimately cancelled amid the unrest.
Another fan, Ajay Shah, told local media that people had spent a month’s salary to attend the event. “I came with my son to watch Messi, not politicians or security personnel taking selfies. The organisers failed completely,” he said.
West Bengal police confirmed that the chief organiser of the event had been arrested, though further details were not disclosed. Senior police official Javed Shamim said the situation had returned to normal and authorities were exploring options to refund ticket holders.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed regret over the incident, apologising to Messi and fans while ordering a formal investigation into the mismanagement. The All India Football Federation also distanced itself from the event, stating it had no role in organising or approving the private function.
Despite the setback, Messi is scheduled to continue his India tour with visits to Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi, where a possible meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected. Fresh off winning his second consecutive MLS MVP award with Inter Miami, Messi remains one of the most influential figures in global football, and the Kolkata incident has sparked renewed debate over crowd control and event management in India’s growing sports market.
KOLKATA: Chaos erupted at Kolkata’s iconic Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday after football legend Lionel Messi abruptly left the venue during his much-anticipated visit to India, triggering angry scenes as disappointed fans broke barricades and stormed the pitch. The incident occurred during Messi’s three-day visit to the country as part of a high-profile promotional trip widely referred to as the GOAT Tour.
The 38-year-old Argentina captain and Inter Miami superstar arrived in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal earlier in the day to a massive welcome, with thousands of supporters lining the streets and chanting his name. Messi’s popularity in India, particularly in West Bengal and Kerala, is immense, and expectations were high for his appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
Thousands of fans, many dressed in Argentina jerseys and waving blue-and-white flags, filled the stadium hours before Messi’s arrival. However, heavy security arrangements and poor crowd management meant that most spectators were unable to get a clear view of the football icon. Messi briefly walked around the pitch, waved to fans and then exited the stadium earlier than scheduled, sparking outrage among attendees.
Frustration quickly turned into chaos as some fans ripped out plastic seats, hurled water bottles and rushed onto the pitch. Banners and temporary tents were vandalised, forcing security personnel to intervene. Many spectators said they had paid significant sums for tickets, with prices reportedly exceeding $100 for premium seating.
“For me, watching Messi is a dream,” said 37-year-old businessman Nabin Chatterjee. “But due to mismanagement, I couldn’t even get a glimpse of him. This was heartbreaking.”
Before leaving, Messi unveiled a massive 21-metre statue depicting him holding the FIFA World Cup trophy, a moment that briefly delighted fans. He was also expected to take part in a short exhibition event, which was ultimately cancelled amid the unrest.
Another fan, Ajay Shah, told local media that people had spent a month’s salary to attend the event. “I came with my son to watch Messi, not politicians or security personnel taking selfies. The organisers failed completely,” he said.
West Bengal police confirmed that the chief organiser of the event had been arrested, though further details were not disclosed. Senior police official Javed Shamim said the situation had returned to normal and authorities were exploring options to refund ticket holders.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed regret over the incident, apologising to Messi and fans while ordering a formal investigation into the mismanagement. The All India Football Federation also distanced itself from the event, stating it had no role in organising or approving the private function.
Despite the setback, Messi is scheduled to continue his India tour with visits to Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi, where a possible meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected. Fresh off winning his second consecutive MLS MVP award with Inter Miami, Messi remains one of the most influential figures in global football, and the Kolkata incident has sparked renewed debate over crowd control and event management in India’s growing sports market.
