In a chaotic scene at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium, fans attending Lionel Messi's tour in India expressed their frustrations by throwing chairs and bottles onto the pitch.
Many had invested significant amounts, with tickets priced as high as 12,000 rupees (£100; $133), in hopes of seeing the Argentine superstar. However, they were left dissatisfied after Messi's brief stroll around the pitch was obstructed by a throng of officials and celebrities.
After approximately 20 minutes, Messi's security whisked him away, which triggered a hostile reaction from the crowd who felt cheated out of their anticipated experience. West Bengal's Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, condemned the incident, stating she was deeply disturbed and shocked by the events that unfolded.
Messi's visit is part of his 'GOAT tour' aimed at promoting football across Indian cities. Following the unveiling of a towering 70-foot statue of himself in Kolkata, Messi's scheduled public appearances were highly publicized, causing thousands of fans to gather in hopes of catching a glimpse of the World Cup winner.
Initially, the atmosphere was festive, with fans chanting and wearing Messi-themed gear. However, the discontent boiled over when it became apparent that Messi's moment in the spotlight was cut short.
Local reports indicated that once Messi departed, certain fans stormed the pitch, vandalizing banners and tents while expressing their dissatisfaction through violent means. Many attendees voiced their anger, emphasizing that they came to see Messi, not political figures.
Banerjee has announced an inquiry into the incident to understand the causes of this chaotic response, intending to prevent such occurrences in the future. Despite the tumultuous end to Messi's event, many fans continue to admire the football icon, with some asserting that he embodies hope and inspiration in sports.
