Lionel Messi’s India tour turns chaotic as fans vandalise stadium

Lionel Messi’s India tour turns chaotic as fans vandalise stadium

Lionel Messi’s tour of India got off to a turbulent start on Saturday as angry fans vandalised a stadium in Kolkata, throwing bottles and breaking barricades after many were unable to get more than a fleeting glimpse of the Argentine football icon.

The unrest erupted at Salt Lake Stadium in eastern India after the Inter Miami star left the arena earlier than expected during a packed public event, triggering chaos, vandalism and arrests.

Read Also: Messi to unveil giant statue during India ‘GOAT’ tour

As part of the much-publicised “GOAT Tour”, the 38-year-old World Cup winner arrived in the eastern state of West Bengal early on Saturday to a rapturous welcome, with fans chanting his name.

Hours later, thousands of supporters wearing Messi jerseys and waving Argentine flags filled the stadium, but tight security around the footballer left many struggling to see him.

Messi briefly walked around the pitch, waved to fans and exited the stadium ahead of schedule.

Frustrated spectators, many of whom had paid more than $100 for tickets, ripped out stadium seats, hurled water bottles onto the track and vandalised banners and tents, while others attempted to storm the pitch.

The Times of India reported that several ticket holders said they did not see Messi at all — either in person or on the stadium’s giant screens — despite waiting for hours.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologised to Messi and fans, describing the incident as a case of serious mismanagement.

“I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium,” Banerjee wrote on social media, also apologising to fans who had paid for tickets and expected more. She said a probe had been ordered to establish responsibility and prevent a recurrence.

Messi’s three-day “GOAT India Tour” was scheduled to take him from Kolkata to Hyderabad and Mumbai before concluding in New Delhi on Monday. He is accompanied by teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul.

Earlier, Messi remotely unveiled a 21-metre (70-foot) iron statue of himself holding the World Cup in Kolkata and was expected to play a short exhibition match at the stadium.

“For me, watching Messi is a pleasure, a dream. But I missed the chance to have a glimpse because of the mismanagement in the stadium,” said businessman Nabin Chatterjee.

Another supporter told the Press Trust of India (PTI) that fans had spent “a month’s salary” to attend the event.

“I paid $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,” Ajay Shah said.

Javed Shamim, a senior state police official, confirmed that the event’s “chief organiser” had been arrested, adding that authorities were exploring options to refund affected ticket holders.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) distanced itself from the controversy, stressing that it had no role in organising, planning or executing the private event.

Messi is expected to continue his tour with scheduled stops in Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi despite the chaotic start in Kolkata.

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.

Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date