Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Dec 13: What was billed as a historic celebration of football legend Lionel Messi in Kolkata descended into confusion and unrest on Saturday, as thousands of fans left the Salt Lake Stadium disappointed and angry after a fleeting glimpse of the Argentine superstar.

Messi, visiting India as part of his GOAT Tour, appeared briefly at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, but soaring expectations quickly gave way to frustration. His planned lap of honour was cut short when an uncontrolled surge of spectators disrupted security arrangements. As tempers flared, bottles were hurled from the stands, forcing officials to rush Messi off the field.

Many ticket-holders, including those who paid premium prices, said they were unable to see Messi at all, either in person or on the stadium’s large screens, despite waiting for hours. Fans complained that tight security, combined with the presence of numerous politicians and VIPs, blocked sightlines and restricted access, adding to their disappointment.

The situation escalated inside the stadium as angry spectators damaged banners and seating, throwing chairs and booing organisers. The scenes exposed serious shortcomings in crowd management at one of India’s biggest sports arenas. Outside the venue, fans told reporters that Messi remained on the ground for only a few minutes before being escorted away.

The chaos stood in sharp contrast to the earlier, more festive moments of the day. Messi had virtually inaugurated a towering 70-foot iron statue at the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town, showing him holding the FIFA World Cup trophy. Completed in just 40 days, the statue drew widespread praise and enthusiasm from supporters.

However, the disorder at Salt Lake Stadium has overshadowed those celebratory moments, dampening the spirit of what was meant to be a landmark occasion for Indian football fans and raising questions about planning and security as Messi’s India tour continues.