Chaos Erupts at Indian Stadium After Messi Leaves ‘GOAT Tour’ Event Early
Chaos Erupts at Indian Stadium After Messi Leaves ‘GOAT Tour’ Event Early – Angry scenes unfolded at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, India, after global football icon Lionel Messi left a highly anticipated public appearance earlier than expected, triggering frustration among thousands of fans who had paid premium prices to see him.
Messi, who is in India on a three-day promotional visit dubbed the “GOAT Tour”, arrived in the eastern state of West Bengal on Saturday to a rapturous welcome from supporters chanting his name. Later in the day, thousands of fans clad in Argentina jerseys and waving national flags packed the 85,000-seater Salt Lake Stadium in the hope of seeing the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner up close.
However, heavy security and the presence of officials and celebrities around the footballer limited visibility for ordinary fans.
Messi briefly walked around the pitch waving to supporters before being escorted away after approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
As it became clear that his appearance had ended, sections of the crowd turned hostile, ripping out stadium seats, hurling plastic chairs and water bottles, and storming the pitch. Banners and tents were vandalised as anger spilled over.
“For me, to watch Messi is a pleasure, a dream. But I missed the chance to have a glimpse because of the mismanagement in the stadium,” said 37-year-old businessman Nabin Chatterjee, speaking to AFP.
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Another supporter, Ajay Shah, told the Press Trust of India (PTI) that fans had made major financial sacrifices to attend the event.
“I paid Rs 5,000 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,” he said.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she was “deeply disturbed and shocked” by the events and issued a public apology.
“I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident,” Banerjee said in a post on X, adding that she had ordered a full enquiry.
A senior police official, Javed Shamim, confirmed that the event’s “chief organiser” had been arrested, although further details were not immediately disclosed. Authorities also indicated that mechanisms to refund ticket holders would be explored.
Messi’s spokesperson later stated that the footballer had fulfilled the time commitment agreed upon in advance. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) distanced itself from the incident, stressing that it had no involvement in the planning or execution of the private event.
