The roar of the crowd in Kolkata quickly turned to fury as Lionel Messi’s brief appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium descended into chaos. Fans, having paid a significant sum for a glimpse of the football icon, were left devastated and enraged.
Spectators had eagerly anticipated a lap of honor featuring Messi alongside teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, with tickets costing up to 25,000 rupees. But their excitement evaporated as Messi became immediately surrounded by VIPs, effectively shielded from the view of those in the stands.
Just ten minutes after stepping onto the pitch, concerns for Messi’s safety prompted his security team to abruptly end the tour, whisking him away from the stadium. This sparked an immediate and volatile reaction from the frustrated crowd.
Disappointment quickly morphed into anger as hundreds of fans began tearing seats from the stadium and hurling them onto the pitch. Canopies erected for the event were vandalized, and the atmosphere became increasingly hostile.
“Seeing the utter chaos, the management, the authorities, it was absolutely rubbish,” one fan lamented to Indian broadcaster ANI, voicing the widespread discontent. “We all wanted to see Messi, but it was a total scam.”
The sense of betrayal was palpable. Fans expressed feeling cheated and demanded refunds, describing the event as a “black day for Kolkata” and a “complete scam.” The presence of ministers and their families enjoying privileged access only amplified the frustration.
Another fan shared their heartbreak, explaining how their child’s excitement had been crushed. “When Messi arrived, everyone surrounded him,” they said, highlighting the impossibility of seeing their idol.
Riot police were eventually deployed to quell the unrest as fans stormed the pitch and even tore down a banner featuring Messi’s image. The scenes painted a stark picture of disappointment and anger.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee issued a public apology, expressing her shock and dismay at the mismanagement. She extended a sincere apology to Messi and all the fans affected by the incident.
Messi’s visit to India was part of his “GOAT Tour,” which included the unveiling of a 70-foot statue in his honor. However, the Kolkata event will be remembered not for celebration, but for the bitter disappointment of those who came to witness a legend.
