KOLKATA, India — A highly anticipated appearance by football icon Lionel Messi in Kolkata descended into anarchy on Saturday, as enraged fans broke down barricades, stormed the pitch, and vandalized stadium property following the star’s premature departure.
The 38-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami forward arrived in the West Bengal capital early Saturday as part of his “GOAT Tour.”
He was initially greeted by a chorus of exuberant fans chanting his name, setting a celebratory tone that would ultimately curdle into violence.
Expectations vs. Reality
Hours after his arrival, thousands of supporters—many donning Messi jerseys and waving Argentine flags—packed the Salt Lake Stadium.
The itinerary included the unveiling of a 21-metre (70-foot) statue depicting Messi holding aloft the World Cup, followed by what fans believed would be a short exhibition game.
However, the event unraveled when the heavy security detail surrounding the footballer prevented most fans from getting a clear view.
Instead of playing, Messi walked around the pitch waving to the crowd and then abruptly left the arena.
Vandalism and ‘month’s salary’ wasted
The abrupt exit triggered a riot. Frustrated spectators, some of whom had paid more than $100 for tickets, began ripping out stadium seats and hurling water bottles onto the track.
Others stormed the field, vandalizing banners and tents set up for the event.
The financial toll on the fans was a major flashpoint. One angry fan told the Press Trust of India (PTI) that many attendees had spent “a month’s salary” just to see the icon.
Businessman Nabin Chatterjee, 37, expressed the collective heartbreak to AFP:
“For me, to watch Messi is a pleasure, a dream. But I have missed the chance to have a glimpse because of the mismanagement in the stadium.”
Another fan, Ajay Shah, directed his anger at the authorities, accusing them of prioritizing their own access over the paying public.
“I paid Rs 5,000 ($55) 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,” Shah told PTI.
Arrests and official apologies
In the wake of the violence, Javed Shamim, a senior state police official, confirmed that the event’s “chief organiser” had been arrested, though no further details were provided.
“There is total normalcy,” Shamim told reporters, noting that authorities are investigating how to refund ticket holders.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee publicly addressed the debacle, stating she was “disturbed” and “shocked” by the mismanagement.
“I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident,” she posted on X, announcing an immediate probe.
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The All India Football Federation (AIFF) issued a statement distancing itself from the chaos, clarifying it had no role in the “organisation, planning, or execution” of the “private event” and that no clearance had been sought from the Federation.
Messi, who recently won his second consecutive Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player award after leading Inter Miami to the MLS title, is scheduled to continue his four-city tour. He will head to Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, with a potential meeting scheduled with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The tour serves as a prelude to a busy summer for the veteran attacker, who will spearhead Argentina’s defense of the World Cup in June-July in North America.
