KOLKATA: Lionel Messi’s long-awaited visit to India began on a chaotic note on Saturday after angry fans stormed the field at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, protesting what they described as severe mismanagement of the event.
Thousands of supporters had gathered for the opening of Messi’s three-day “GOAT India Tour,” but many ticket-holders said they were unable to see the Argentine star at all, even on the stadium’s giant screens, despite waiting for hours. According to Indian Media, frustration quickly turned into unrest as disappointed fans began throwing bottles and seats, damaging parts of the venue.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued a public apology to Messi and fans, calling the incident deeply disturbing. In a social media post, she acknowledged the failure of event management and said a committee would be formed to conduct a detailed inquiry, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Witnesses said irate supporters, many wearing Argentina jerseys bearing Messi’s name, broke through security barricades and rushed onto the field, attempting to vandalize the stadium before security personnel regained control. Messi had already departed by the time the situation escalated.
Messi’s India tour was scheduled to take him from Kolkata to Hyderabad and Mumbai, before concluding in New Delhi on Monday. He is accompanied by longtime teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul. Earlier in the day, Messi had remotely unveiled a 21-metre statue of himself in Kolkata, an event that had drawn widespread attention and high expectations among fans.
-WNN India Desk
