Key Highlights
- Lionel Messi’s ‘GOAT’ tour in India drew angry reactions from fans who paid to see him.
- Fans at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium reportedly threw chairs and bottles towards the pitch after his brief appearance.
- The incident occurred as part of a series of promotional events for Messi’s visit, which also included unveiling a 70ft statue in Kolkata.
- West Bengal’s chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, expressed concern over the chaotic scene.
Lionel Messi’s ‘GOAT’ Tour Sparks Chaos in India
The much-anticipated visit of football legend Lionel Messi to India turned into a nightmarish experience for thousands of fans who paid to catch a glimpse of the star. The incident unfolded on Saturday at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, where Messi was scheduled to make an appearance as part of his “GOAT” tour.
Thousands of enthusiasts had bought tickets for up to 12,000 rupees (£100; $133) each, hoping to see the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner in person. However, their expectations were dashed when Messi’s brief appearance was cut short and he left the stadium early due to security concerns.
Unfulfilled Expectations Turn to Anger
The scene quickly deteriorated as it became apparent that Messi’s visit had ended earlier than expected. According to local media, frustrated fans stormed the pitch and began vandalizing banners and tents. Some even hurled plastic chairs and water bottles towards the area where Messi was last seen.
“Only leaders and actors were surrounding Messi…
Why did they call us then? We have got a ticket for 12,000 rupees, but we were not even able to see his face,” one fan at the stadium told Indian news agency ANI. Another added, “I paid Rs 5,000 for the ticket and came with my son to watch Messi, not politicians. The police and military personnel were taking selfies, and the management is to blame.”
Behind-the-Scenes of the ‘GOAT’ Tour
The 2022 World Cup winner, considered one of football’s greatest ever players, had been expected to play a short exhibition game at the stadium. However, his brief visit was overshadowed by the chaos that followed.
Messi’s tour began with the unveiling of a 70ft (21m) statue in Kolkata, which had taken 27 days to assemble by a team of 45 people. The Argentina and Inter Miami forward appeared virtually due to security concerns, accompanied by his teammate Luis Suarez and Argentina’s Rodrigo de Paul.
Earlier in the day, Messi was also met by Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan. According to Reuters, the event in Kolkata was part of a series of promotional activities scheduled for Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi as well.
Official Response and Future Implications
West Bengal’s chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, expressed her “deeply disturbed and shocked” reaction to the events. She announced an inquiry into the incident and pledged to take measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Authorities are looking into how organizers could refund money to those who had bought tickets for the event. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) stated it was not involved in the “private event.” The incident has raised questions about the management of star-studded events and the expectations set by promoters.
The chaotic scene at Salt Lake Stadium highlights the potential pitfalls of organizing such high-profile events, especially when they generate immense enthusiasm among fans. It also underscores the importance of careful planning and effective communication to manage such large-scale gatherings.
