Chaos erupted at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday as thousands of fans turned hostile during Lionel Messi's visit to India.
Fans who had paid up to 12,000 rupees for a chance to see the football legend were left frustrated when his appearance was brief and largely hidden behind a crowd of officials and celebrities. The situation escalated as some spectators ripped seats, threw bottles and other items onto the pitch, and vandalized stadium banners and tents.
Messi, the Argentina and Inter Miami forward, had been in Kolkata as part of his 'GOAT tour', which includes promotional events across Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi.
The tour began with the unveiling of a 70-foot statue of Messi in Kolkata, assembled over 27 days by a 45-member crew. Security concerns meant the unveiling was done virtually, leading fans to flock to the stadium hoping to see the star in person.
Initially, Messi walked around the stadium waving to supporters, many of whom wore "I love Messi" headbands and chanted his name. However, after about 20 minutes, he was escorted out by security, leaving the crowd disappointed. Reports indicate that many had expected the 2022 World Cup winner to participate in a short exhibition game.
"Only leaders and actors were surrounding Messi ... Why did they call us then ... We have got a ticket for 12 thousand rupees, but we were not even able to see his face," a fan told ANI. Another fan told the Press Trust of India that people had paid what equates to a month's salary to watch Messi. "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," the fan said.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described the incident as "deeply disturbed and shocked" and announced an inquiry. She apologised to Messi and sports enthusiasts, saying on X, "The [enquiry] committee will conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future."
The frenzy began even before Messi's stadium visit, with thousands lining streets near his hotel in the early hours, hoping to catch a glimpse. Hitesh, a 24-year-old corporate lawyer from Bengaluru, said, "For me it's personal. You can see I am quite short, and I love to play football with my friends. Messi is the player I related with the most, no one can match his talent. He gives me hope that with talent you can do anything."
Kolkata, known for its passionate football fanbase in a cricket-dominated country, saw fans swarming the stadium, reflecting the intense devotion to the sport. The city also offers fans a 'Hola Messi' fan zone, featuring a life-sized Messi on a throne, a hall displaying his trophies, and a replica of his Miami home with mannequins of Messi and his family on a balcony.
