Frustrated fans at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium expressed their anger during Lionel Messi’s tour of India by tearing up seats and lobbing items onto the pitch. Despite paying as much as 12,000 rupees (approximately £100 or $133) for tickets, these devoted supporters were left disheartened when Messi made a brief appearance, only to be nearly hidden from view by a throng of officials and celebrities accompanying him.
The chaos ensued after Messi’s early departure, hurriedly facilitated by security personnel, leading to unrest within the crowd that had eagerly awaited a chance to see the football icon. Amid the disturbance, West Bengal’s chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, articulated her dismay, declaring she was “deeply disturbed and shocked” by the events, which highlighted the deep emotional connection fans have with their sporting heroes.
Messi is touring India as part of his promotional ‘GOAT [greatest of all time] tour’, which includes events in major cities like Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. This tour commenced with the unveiling of an impressive 70-foot (21-meter) statue of himself in Kolkata. The statue was a remarkable display of artistry, built over 27 days by a dedicated crew of 45 people, yet Messi’s personal appearance was limited to a virtual one due to strict security precautions.
The stadium was inundated with thousands of enthusiastic fans, all hoping to glimpse the football legend. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as supporters chanted his name, donned jerseys, and wore headbands emblazoned with “I love Messi.” Initially, Messi endeavored to connect with his admirers by walking around the stadium to wave at them, but when his time was unexpectedly cut short, disappointment transformed into rage for some fans. In an outpouring of frustration, they rushed onto the pitch, vandalizing banners and tents while others hurled plastic chairs and water bottles in protest.
Reports from the AFP news agency indicated that this event also included expectations for Messi to involve himself in a short exhibition match, enhancing the disappointment felt by fans. One attendee shared their experience with the Indian news agency ANI, expressing frustration: “Only leaders and actors were surrounding Messi… Why did they call us then? We paid 12,000 rupees for tickets but couldn’t even see his face.” Another fan lamented, “I spent Rs 5,000 for the ticket and brought my son to see Messi, not politicians. Even the police were taking selfies—it’s the management’s fault.”
During his brief visit, Messi was accompanied by his Inter Miami teammate and Uruguayan star Luis Suarez, along with Argentina’s Rodrigo de Paul. Adding an entertainment aspect to the event, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan also took the opportunity to meet Messi earlier that day, further elevating the spectacle surrounding the tour.
Kolkata, the vibrant capital of West Bengal, is known for its passionate football culture, which thrives even amidst a cricket-centric nation. It’s not unusual to witness fervent gatherings, with hundreds of thousands of fans flocking to support their local clubs during match festivals, demonstrating a growing enthusiasm for football in India.
In light of the turmoil, Chief Minister Banerjee promptly announced an inquiry into the matter, extending her apologies to Messi and all “sports lovers” for what happened at the stadium. She emphasized that the inquiry committee would conduct a thorough investigation, determining responsibility and recommending measures to preclude such incidents in the future.
A police spokesperson revealed that the event’s “chief organizer” had been apprehended, though further details were scarce. The authorities have also pledged to explore options for refunding fans who purchased tickets, highlighting the serious repercussions of the event’s mismanagement. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) made it clear that it was not involved in organizing the “private event,” distancing itself from the controversy.
During the early hours of the day, an enormous crowd had already begun gathering outside Messi’s hotel, all hoping for a brief encounter with their idol. Among these eager fans was Hitesh, a 24-year-old corporate lawyer who had flown nearly 1,900 kilometers from Bengaluru. He shared, “For me, it’s a personal experience. You can see I am quite short, and I love playing football with my friends.” He conveyed his passion for the sport, stating, “Messi is the player I connect with the most; no one can replicate his talent. He inspires me to believe that with skill and perseverance, anything is achievable.”
This tumultuous event is just part of India’s tribute to Messi, a football star who has garnered immense admiration. Fans can also visit a “Hola Messi” fan zone featuring an impressive life-size replica of Messi seated on a grand throne, rooms decorated with some of his distinguished trophies, and even a detailed replica of his Miami residence. The fan zone includes mannequins portraying Messi and his family, creating an immersive experience that reflects the deep admiration held by fans for this football gem.
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