Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Dec 14: Football icon Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated India tour began on a chaotic note on Saturday after fans ran riot at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium following his brief appearance at a ticketed event, forcing him to leave early.

Messi was scheduled to spend around 45 minutes at the stadium, but his visit was cut short to just about 20 minutes amid scenes of disorder. Angry fans threw objects, including ripped-up seats, onto the field, while several breached security by climbing fences and entering the pitch.

West Bengal Police Director General Rajeev Kumar said Satadru Dutta, the chief organiser of the event, has been detained in connection with the alleged mismanagement. “We have already detained the main organiser. Action is being taken so that this mismanagement does not go unpunished,” Kumar told reporters, adding that the organiser has given a written assurance that ticket money will be refunded.

Tickets for the event were priced from around Rs 3,500, with some fans claiming to have paid as much as $130. Many expressed anger and disappointment after travelling long distances to catch a glimpse of the Argentine star.

“I travelled nearly 1,500 km from Mizoram over two days. I hardly got a glimpse of him,” said a fan, adding that the situation appeared unsafe and poorly managed.

Messi is in India as part of a multi-city tour that includes appearances at concerts, youth football clinics, a padel tournament and the launch of charitable initiatives in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi. The tour organisers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologised to Messi and football fans, and ordered a probe into the incident. “I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium,” she posted on X, adding that a committee has been formed to conduct a detailed inquiry, fix responsibility and suggest preventive measures.

Riot police were deployed at the stadium to control the situation as frustrated fans continued to protest after Messi’s departure.

Kolkata, along with states like Kerala and Goa, has a long-standing passion for football. However, Salt Lake Stadium has witnessed fan violence in the past, including during a Kolkata derby in 2012 that had to be abandoned after a player was seriously injured by an object thrown from the stands.

Messi, who captained Argentina for the first time at the same stadium during a friendly against Venezuela in 2011, had earlier on Saturday virtually unveiled a 70-foot statue of himself in the city, highlighting the deep admiration he enjoys among Indian football fans despite the chaotic scenes that marked his visit.