KOLKATA: Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated visit to Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday turned chaotic after frustrated fans threw objects onto the field following his short appearance. The incident unfolded when the football icon, surrounded by tight security, left the venue barely 20 minutes after arriving.
According to reports by ANI, several spectators ripped out plastic stadium seats and hurled them onto the pitch and athletics track. Some fans also climbed over boundary fences and threw objects, creating scenes of disorder inside the stadium.
Messi’s Short Appearance Sparks Fan Anger
Messi, the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner and current Inter Miami forward, arrived at the stadium amid huge excitement. He walked briefly around the pitch and waved to supporters. However, a large security cordon closely surrounded him at all times. Many fans said they could barely see him before he exited the venue.
Disappointed spectators expressed anger over the arrangements. One fan told ANI that tickets cost around 12,000 Indian rupees. He said fans were promised a closer interaction. “We were called here, but we couldn’t even see his face,” he complained. Others echoed similar frustration, accusing organisers of mismanagement.
The organisers of Messi’s India tour did not immediately respond to requests for comment after the incident.
India Tour Includes Multiple Cities and Events
Messi is visiting India as part of a multi-city tour. His schedule includes appearances at concerts, youth football clinics, a padel tournament, and charity-related events. The tour covers Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. Saturday’s event in Kolkata marked the start of his visit.
Earlier in the day, Messi virtually unveiled a 70-foot statue of himself in Kolkata. The tribute added to the city’s long-standing affection for Argentine football legends.
Kolkata’s Deep Football Legacy
Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, holds a special place in Indian football culture. Along with Kerala and Goa, the state has a passionate football following in a country largely dominated by cricket. Argentine legend Diego Maradona visited Kolkata twice and unveiled a statue of himself in 2017 before thousands of fans.
Messi also has history with the city. In 2011, he played an international friendly at the same stadium, where Argentina defeated Venezuela 1-0. That match drew massive crowds and remains memorable for local fans.
Saturday’s unrest, however, cast a shadow over what was expected to be a celebratory moment, raising questions about crowd management and event planning during high-profile international visits.
