Messi’s much‑anticipated India tour opened with a scene that could have been straight out of a sports drama. Fans in Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, after a brief, unseen appearance by the Argentine star, erupted in anger, throwing seats and storming the field. Security forces quickly intervened to restore order. The Times of India reported that many ticket holders had waited for hours, only to find that Messi had neither appeared on the field nor on the stadium’s big screens. Those who had paid for seats expected to see the World Cup winner, but instead found themselves staring at a blank space. In frustration, a wave of supporters—many wearing Argentina shirts—pushed past security fences, seized chairs from the stands, and ran onto the pitch. Their actions caused damage before officers managed to escort them back.
The Unfolding Chaos
The chaos unfolded in a series of escalating actions. Fans, disappointed by the lack of visibility, began throwing seats from the stands. Some supporters forced their way past security fences onto the field, creating a dangerous situation for players and staff. The crowd’s frustration grew as they attempted to cause more damage before overwhelmed security personnel chased them away. Messi had already left the stadium before the incident escalated. The event’s mismanagement was highlighted by the fact that many ticket holders could not see Messi at all.
Official Response
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee took to social media to apologise for what she described as the event’s mismanagement. She wrote, \”I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium,\” and added that a committee would be constituted to conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Fan Reactions
The angry fans, many wearing Argentina shirts, expressed their disappointment publicly. They demanded better organization and clearer communication from the event organisers. Some supporters claimed that the long wait and lack of visibility had ruined their experience. The incident sparked a debate on fan expectations and event management across social media.
Security Response
Security personnel at Salt Lake Stadium were swift in responding to the disturbance. Officers chased the unruly fans away from the field and re‑secured the perimeter. The crowd’s frustration grew as they attempted to cause more damage before overwhelmed security personnel chased them away. No major injuries were reported, and the stadium was cleared before the next scheduled match.
Statue Unveiling
Earlier Saturday, Messi remotely unveiled a 21‑meter (70‑foot) statue of himself in Kolkata. The statue was part of the promotional activities for the tour. The unveiling was conducted from a distance, as Messi was not physically present at the venue. The 21‑meter structure symbolised Messi’s stature in football and was unveiled ahead of the match.
Player Departure
Messi had already left the stadium before the incident escalated. His departure was noted by local media and fans alike. The Argentine star’s brief appearance did not meet the expectations of the crowd, leading to the subsequent unrest.
Tour Itinerary and Highlights
Messi’s three‑day \”GOAT India Tour\” was scheduled to take him from Kolkata to Hyderabad, then Mumbai, and finally New Delhi, where the tour would conclude on Monday. He was accompanied by longtime teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul. The tour was designed to showcase Messi’s talent across major Indian cities.
Key Takeaways
- Fans in Kolkata saw no glimpse of Messi, leading to a chaotic stadium incident.
- Chief Minister Banerjee apologized and announced an inquiry into the event’s mismanagement.
- The tour will continue in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, with Messi joined by Suárez and De Paul.
The incident underscores the high expectations surrounding Messi’s appearance in India and the need for better crowd management. As the tour moves to its next stops, organizers will likely heed the lessons learned in Kolkata to ensure a smoother experience for fans.
