Lionel Messi’s promotional tour stop in India was marred by fan unrest at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, with attendees reportedly tearing up seats and throwing objects onto the pitch.
Thousands of supporters, some of whom paid as much as 12,000 rupees (£100; $133), had hoped to see the football icon. However, their anticipation turned to disappointment when Messi’s appearance involved only a brief walk around the perimeter, largely obscured by a throng of officials and celebrities.
The situation escalated when the Argentina and Inter Miami forward was prematurely escorted away by security after approximately 20 minutes, triggering hostile reactions from segments of the crowd.
Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister of West Bengal, expressed her dismay, stating she was “deeply disturbed and shocked” by the incidents.
Banerjee announced a formal inquiry and extended an apology to Messi and “sports lovers” for the disruption at the stadium.
“The [enquiry] committee will conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future,” the chief minister posted on X.
A representative for Messi asserted that he fulfilled the pre-agreed time commitment. Regarding the event’s organization, the spokesperson directed the BBC to Banerjee’s public apology on social media.
According to AFP reports, a police official informed reporters that the event’s “chief organiser” had been apprehended, though further details were not provided.
Authorities are also reportedly exploring options for providing refunds to ticket holders, the official added.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has clarified that it was not involved in the “private event.”
Messi’s visit to India is part of his ‘GOAT [greatest of all time] tour,’ a series of promotional engagements scheduled for Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi.
The tour commenced with the unveiling of a 70ft (21m) statue of himself in Kolkata, constructed over 27 days by a team of 45. Messi made a virtual appearance at the unveiling due to security considerations.
Thousands of fans journeyed to the stadium for a chance to witness the footballer in person.
Attendees were observed chanting, purchasing jerseys, and wearing “I love Messi” headbands.
While Messi initially greeted fans with a wave, the abrupt conclusion of his appearance on Saturday incited some to storm the pitch and vandalize banners and tents, while others threw plastic chairs and water bottles.
The 2022 World Cup winner – widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history – was expected to participate in a brief exhibition game at the stadium, according to AFP.
“Only leaders and actors were surrounding Messi… Why did they call us then? We have got a ticket for 12,000 rupees, but we were not even able to see his face,” a fan at the stadium told Indian news agency ANI.
An irate fan informed the Press Trust of India news agency that individuals had spent the equivalent of a month’s salary for the opportunity to see the eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient.
“I paid Rs 5,000 for the ticket and came with my son to watch Messi, not politicians,” they said.
“The police and military personnel were taking selfies, and the management is to blame.”
Messi was accompanied on his brief visit by his Inter Miami teammate and Uruguay star Luis Suarez, and Argentina’s Rodrigo de Paul.
Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan also met Messi earlier in the day, according to Reuters.
Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, boasts a significant football following in a nation predominantly enthralled by cricket.
The city is known for drawing hundreds of thousands of fans to local club derby matches.
In the early hours of Saturday, thousands gathered along roadways and outside Messi’s hotel, hoping for a glimpse of the star.
Hitesh, a 24-year-old corporate lawyer, traveled nearly 1,900 kilometers from Bengaluru in southern India.
“For me it’s personal. You can see I am quite short, and I love to play football with my friends,” Hitesh told the BBC, standing in front of the statue.
“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.”