Tens of thousands of football fans in Kolkata, India, were left frustrated and angry after Lionel Messi abruptly left Salt Lake Stadium during his visit, prompting some spectators to storm the pitch and vandalize property.
The Argentina and Inter Miami star, 38, was in India as part of his three-day “GOAT Tour,” which began in West Bengal on Saturday, where he was warmly welcomed by cheering fans waving Argentine flags.
Messi appeared on the stadium pitch, waving to the crowd, but left earlier than expected, sparking outrage among fans who had paid upwards of $100 for tickets. Some tore stadium seats, hurled water bottles, and damaged banners and tents in protest.
“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,” said businessman Nabin Chatterjee, 37, in remarks to AFP.
Before the chaos, Messi unveiled a 21-meter statue depicting him holding the World Cup and was scheduled to play a short exhibition match. Many fans lamented the event’s poor organization, with some claiming they spent “a month’s salary” on tickets.
Ajay Shah, who attended with his son, criticized the authorities, saying, “I came to watch Messi, not politicians. The police and military personnel were taking selfies, and the management is to blame.”
Senior police official Javed Shamim confirmed that the event’s chief organiser had been arrested, adding that authorities were assessing how to refund ticket holders.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock at the incident, apologizing to Messi and fans and announcing a probe into the event’s management failures.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) clarified it had no role in organizing or approving the private event, stating, “Details of the event were neither communicated to the AIFF, nor was any clearance sought from the Federation.”
Messi will continue his India tour with stops in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, which may include a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He recently won his second consecutive MLS MVP award and is set to lead Argentina in the upcoming World Cup in North America.
