Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated visit to India experienced significant turmoil as fans expressed their frustration during a chaotic event at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. According to reports from ANI, the scene turned disorderly shortly after Messi, the celebrated Argentina and Inter Miami forward, made a brief appearance at the stadium.
Messi’s visit marks the beginning of a wider tour across several major Indian cities, including Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. The tour comprises various engagements, such as attending concerts, conducting youth football clinics, participating in a padel tournament, and launching charitable initiatives.
Upon his arrival, Messi walked around the pitch, waving to fans, but his visit lasted only about 20 minutes. Crowded by a throng of people, his rapid exit left many fans feeling disappointed, particularly those who had paid ₹12,000 (approximately £100) for tickets but felt deprived of a proper glimpse of the football star.
Chaos ensued as videos surfaced showing fans tearing up seats and hurling them onto the field and the adjacent athletics track. Reports indicate that some individuals managed to climb over a fence surrounding the playing area, further escalating the unrest. A fan voiced their displeasure to ANI, questioning the organization of the event: “Only leaders and actors were surrounding Messi … Why did they call us then?”
The incident caught the attention of West Bengal’s Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, who expressed her shock and concern over the incident. While en route to the event, she promptly issued an apology to both Messi and the fans in a post on X. Banerjee has announced the formation of an inquiry committee that will investigate the mismanagement of the event, establish accountability, and suggest preventive measures for future occurrences.
Football has a passionate following in India, particularly in states like West Bengal, Kerala, and Goa, which historically have boasted dedicated football fanbases amid the country’s cricket-centric culture. The city of Kolkata has a rich football legacy, having previously welcomed the iconic Diego Maradona for similar events. Notably, Messi also took part in a friendly match at the Salt Lake Stadium in 2011, where Argentina secured a 1-0 victory against Venezuela.
In conjunction with his visit, a towering 70-foot statue of Messi was virtually unveiled in Kolkata, commemorating his legendary status in the sport and celebrating his influence on football fans in the region. The statue is expected to serve as a lasting tribute, despite the turmoil surrounding the day’s events.
