In a dramatic turn of events, Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated tour of India descended into chaos as angry fans stormed the pitch and vandalized the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. The incident occurred after the football icon abruptly left the arena, leaving thousands of fans frustrated and disappointed.
Messi, the 38-year-old Argentine superstar currently playing for Inter Miami, arrived in West Bengal on Saturday as part of his “GOAT Tour.” His arrival was met with enthusiasm as fans chanted his name, eager to catch a glimpse of the legendary player. However, the excitement quickly turned to chaos when Messi left the stadium earlier than expected, prompting fans to break down barricades and storm the pitch.
Frustration Boils Over
Thousands of fans, many wearing Messi jerseys and waving Argentine flags, had packed into the stadium with hopes of seeing their hero. However, the heavy security presence around Messi made it difficult for them to catch even a glimpse of the star. As frustration mounted, fans who had paid over US$100 for tickets began to express their anger by ripping out stadium seats and hurling water bottles onto the track.
One fan, Nabin Chatterjee, expressed his disappointment, saying, “For me, to watch Messi is a pleasure, a dream. But I have missed the chance to have a glimpse because of the mismanagement in the stadium.”
“I paid Rs 5,000 (US$55) for the ticket and came with my son to watch Messi, not politicians. The police and military personnel were taking selfies, and the management is to blame,” said Ajay Shah, another disgruntled fan.
Organizational Failures and Official Reactions
Before the chaos erupted, Messi had unveiled a 21-meter statue depicting him holding the World Cup and was expected to play a short exhibition game. However, the event’s disorganization led to widespread dissatisfaction among attendees. In response to the unrest, Javed Shamim, a senior police official, announced the arrest of the event’s “chief organiser,” although details remain scarce.
State Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her dismay, stating, “I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident.” She also announced an investigation into the incident to identify the root causes of the mismanagement.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) distanced itself from the event, clarifying that it was not involved in its “organisation, planning, or execution.” The federation emphasized that no details or clearances were sought from them by the event organizers.
Looking Ahead: Messi’s Continued Tour
Despite the setback in Kolkata, Messi’s tour of India will continue with visits to Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. The itinerary includes a potential meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the significance of his visit to the country.
Messi’s tour comes on the heels of his recent achievements, having won his second consecutive Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player award. This accolade follows his instrumental role in leading Inter Miami to the MLS title and topping the league’s goal-scoring charts.
As Messi prepares to lead Argentina’s defense of the World Cup in North America next year, the events in Kolkata serve as a reminder of the challenges that can accompany high-profile international tours. The incident underscores the need for meticulous planning and effective crowd management to ensure the safety and satisfaction of fans and players alike.
Moving forward, authorities and event organizers will need to address the grievances of fans and ensure that such incidents do not mar the remaining stops on Messi’s tour. The focus now shifts to how organizers will handle ticket refunds and manage expectations for the upcoming events in other Indian cities.
