Web Desk (MNN): Angry spectators broke through barricades and rushed onto the pitch at a stadium in India after football icon Lionel Messi abruptly left the venue during his visit as part of a three-day tour of the country.
The 38-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami star arrived in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal early Saturday under the much-hyped “GOAT Tour” and was welcomed by cheering fans chanting his name.
Later in the day, thousands of supporters wearing Messi jerseys and waving Argentine flags gathered at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. However, tight security arrangements around the footballer left many fans unable to even catch a glimpse of him.
Messi briefly walked around the pitch, waving to spectators, before exiting the stadium earlier than scheduled. His sudden departure sparked frustration among fans, many of whom had paid more than $100 for tickets.
Enraged spectators damaged stadium property, tore out seats and threw water bottles onto the track. Several fans stormed the pitch, vandalising banners and tents set up for the event.
“I came to watch Messi, which is a dream for me, but due to mismanagement I couldn’t even see him,” said 37-year-old businessman Nabin Chatterjee while speaking to AFP.
Before the unrest, Messi had unveiled a 21-metre statue depicting him holding the FIFA World Cup trophy. He was also expected to take part in a brief exhibition match at the stadium.
Another disappointed fan told Press Trust of India that many people had spent a month’s salary to attend the event. “I paid Rs5,000 for the ticket and came with my son to see Messi, not politicians. The police and military personnel were busy taking selfies, and the organisers are responsible,” Ajay Shah said.
Senior police official Javed Shamim confirmed that the event’s chief organiser had been arrested, though no further details were shared. He said the situation had returned to normal and authorities were considering ways to refund ticket holders.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock over the incident and apologised to Messi and fans. In a post on X, she said she had ordered an inquiry into the mismanagement.
The All India Football Federation clarified that it had no role in organising the private event, stating that no details were shared with the federation and no approval was sought.
Messi is scheduled to visit Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi next as part of the four-city tour. His visit may also include a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Earlier this week, Messi won his second consecutive MLS Most Valuable Player award after guiding Inter Miami to the league title and finishing as the top scorer. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star is set to lead Argentina’s defence of the World Cup in June and July in North America.
