Kolkata: Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated visit to India began in turmoil on Saturday when fans at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium erupted in anger. The Argentine soccer legend’s brief appearance at a ticketed event led to chaos, with attendees throwing objects, tearing up seats, and storming the pitch.
Satadru Dutta, the chief organizer of the event, has been detained by police, according to Rajeev Kumar, director general of West Bengal police. Messi was scheduled for a 45-minute appearance but departed after just 20 minutes. Tickets, priced from approximately 3,500 rupees ($58.32), represented a significant expense for many, with some fans paying as much as $195.
The disruption at the stadium, located in the capital of the eastern state of West Bengal, saw fans hurling ripped-up seats and other objects onto the field. Several individuals climbed over fences, further escalating the situation. “I can’t believe there was so much mismanagement,” said Eddie Lal Hmangaihzuala, who traveled nearly 1,500 km from Mizoram over two days to attend the event. “Messi left quickly, I think he felt unsafe. I hardly got a glimpse of him,” he told Reuters.
Organizational Failures and Police Response
The organizers of the tour have not yet commented on the incident. “We’ve already detained the main organizer,” Rajeev Kumar told reporters. “We’re taking action so that this mismanagement does not go unpunished.” He added that the detained organizer has pledged in writing to refund the tickets sold for the event.
Messi’s visit to India includes a series of events such as concerts, youth football clinics, and a padel tournament, alongside launching charitable initiatives in cities like Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi.
Political Reactions and Apologies
The chief minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, expressed her apologies to Messi and ordered an investigation into the incident. “I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium,” Banerjee posted on X. “I sincerely apologize to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident.”
Banerjee announced the formation of a committee to conduct a detailed inquiry into the incident, assign responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent future occurrences.
Soccer’s Passionate Following in India
While cricket dominates the sporting landscape in India, states like West Bengal, Kerala, and Goa boast large soccer followings. The Salt Lake Stadium has been the site of multiple fan riots in the past, including a notorious incident during a Kolkata derby match between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan in 2012, which was abandoned after a player was seriously injured by a brick thrown from the stands.
Meanwhile, the chaos surrounding Messi’s appearance highlights the challenges of managing large-scale events in a country where soccer fandom is intense but often overshadowed by cricket.
Looking Ahead
The incident in Kolkata underscores the need for meticulous planning and security measures in organizing international events. As Messi continues his tour across India, authorities and organizers will likely face increased scrutiny to ensure the safety and satisfaction of both the star and his fans.
In the aftermath, the focus will be on how effectively the committee’s recommendations are implemented to prevent future disruptions. The incident serves as a reminder of the passionate, sometimes volatile, nature of sports fandom and the responsibilities that come with hosting global icons like Lionel Messi.
