Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated tour of India faced significant disruption as frustrated fans expressed their anger at Salt Lake Stadium following an event marred by chaos. Many ticket holders, who had waited for hours, reported that they were unable to see the football superstar, either in person or on the stadium’s large screens.
The Times of India highlighted that this disappointing experience led to a violent reaction, with fans throwing bottles and even attempting to vandalize the stadium. In the aftermath, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee publicly addressed the situation, expressing her concern and apologizing to Messi as well as the numerous fans left disheartened after paying for their tickets.
“I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium,” Banerjee stated on social media, promising that a committee would be formed to investigate the incident thoroughly, establish accountability, and recommend steps to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The unrest saw angry supporters, many clad in Messi’s Argentina jerseys, breaking through security and attempting to damage the field before being contained by security personnel. Notably, Messi had already departed the venue prior to the outbreak of unrest.
Messi’s tour, titled the “GOAT India Tour,” was slated to take him from Kolkata to Hyderabad and Mumbai before concluding in New Delhi on Monday. The Argentine star, accompanied by teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, had earlier in the day participated in the remote unveiling of a 21-meter statue of himself in Kolkata, which added a vibrant highlight to the day’s events.
Despite this rough start, there remains hope that the remaining days of Messi’s tour will be better organized and that the passionate Indian fans can celebrate their hero in a more positive atmosphere.