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A section of spectators at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata turned unruly on Saturday after failing to get a clear view of football icon Lionel Messi during the first leg of his much-hyped GOAT India Tour. Angry fans hurled bottles and chairs from the stands and vandalised parts of the stadium, prompting the deployment of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) to restore order. Messi was accompanied during the visit by his Inter Miami teammates, including Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul.
Messi arrived in Kolkata at 2:26 am and began the day by virtually unveiling a 70-foot statue of himself in the city. He reached the Salt Lake Stadium around 11:30 am, where he was quickly surrounded by political leaders, former footballers, coaches and members of the organising committee. This tight cordon left little opportunity for the tens of thousands of spectators in the packed stands to catch a glimpse of the Argentine superstar.
Although Messi appeared relaxed and smiling during his short stay inside the stadium, waving briefly to the crowd amid thunderous cheers, his lap of honour failed to ease growing frustration. Repeated attempts by security personnel to clear a path proved unsuccessful, with several sections of the crowd unable to see him clearly.
Messi then took part in a brief meet-and-greet with former Indian footballers who featured in an exhibition match between Mohun Bagan ‘Messi’ All Stars and Diamond Harbour ‘Messi’ All Stars.
Amid the disorder, multiple scheduled programmes had to be curtailed or abandoned. These included a felicitation ceremony for Bengal’s Santosh Trophy-winning football team and a planned “Master Class with Messi” for children.
Tempers finally snapped when Messi exited the stadium under heavy security. Sections of the crowd began throwing bottles and posters, while loud boos echoed across the arena. Many supporters expressed anger over the high ticket prices, saying they had expected more, either a clearer view, a short address, or at least a brief demonstration of Messi’s footballing skills.
Minutes after Messi’s departure, fans broke through barricades and entered the central area of the stadium. Temporary tents and structures erected for the event were damaged and vandalised. Police personnel present at the venue were unable to regain control immediately, with chaos prevailing for nearly an hour before reinforcements stabilised the situation.
Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has sought a detailed report from the state government regarding the arrangements for Messi’s programme in Kolkata. The governor also questioned the role of the state government in facilitating the visit and asked why an individual or entity was allowed to “earn money at the expense of the common people’s emotions”.
