Kolkata witnessed scenes of chaos and frustration as Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated visit to Salt Lake Stadium turned into a disappointing spectacle for thousands of fans. What was meant to be a historic celebration of the football legend quickly descended into unrest, leaving spectators angry and organisers scrambling to restore order.
Fans who had paid hefty sums for tickets were left frustrated as Messi’s appearance on the field was extremely brief and visibility from the stands was severely restricted. Surrounded by heavy security and VIPs, Messi waved to the crowd for only a few minutes before being escorted off the pitch, leaving many supporters feeling ignored.
The discontent escalated into acts of vandalism, with some spectators throwing bottles and chairs onto the field, while others attempted to breach barricades. Social media buzzed with criticism as fans highlighted the mismanagement, poor crowd control, and preferential treatment given to VIPs and celebrities.
Authorities intervened to calm the situation, and while no serious injuries were reported, the disruption overshadowed what was meant to be a joyful celebration. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee later apologised to Messi and the fans, promising an inquiry into the organisational lapses that led to the chaos.
The incident at Salt Lake Stadium has raised pressing questions about event management and crowd control at major sporting events in the city, casting a shadow over Messi’s otherwise celebrated India tour.
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