Chaos in stadium as Messi’s early departure sparks outrage

Chaos broke out at a stadium in India on Saturday after football icon Lionel Messi cut short his appearance, triggering anger among thousands of fans who had gathered to see him.

Messi, who is on a three-day visit to the country as part of the so-called GOAT Tour, arrived in the eastern state of West Bengal earlier in the day to a rapturous welcome from supporters chanting his name.

Later, Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata was filled with thousands of fans dressed in Messi jerseys and waving Argentine flags. However, strict security arrangements around the 38-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami star left many unable to get close enough to see him.

After briefly walking around the pitch and waving to spectators, Messi departed the stadium earlier than expected.

His sudden exit sparked unrest, with frustrated fans — some of whom paid more than $100 for tickets — tearing out seats and throwing water bottles onto the track. Others breached barricades, stormed the pitch and damaged banners and tents.

“For me, to watch Messi is a pleasure, a dream. But I have missed the chance to have a glimpse because of the mismanagement in the stadium,” businessman Nabin Chatterjee, 37, told AFP.

Before the disturbance, Messi had unveiled a 21-metre (70-foot) statue showing him lifting the World Cup. He was also expected to take part in a short exhibition match at the venue.

Another supporter told the Press Trust of India (PTI) that fans had spent “a month’s salary” to see the football legend.

“I paid Rs 5,000 ($55) 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,” Ajay Shah told PTI.

Javed Shamim, a senior state police official, said the event’s “chief organiser” had been arrested, without giving further details.

“There is total normalcy,” he said, adding that authorities would examine how organisers could refund ticket holders.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she was “disturbed” and “shocked” by what happened.

“I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident,” she said in a post on X, adding that she had ordered a probe.

Messi is expected to continue his tour with visits to Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi. His itinerary also includes a possible meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Earlier this week, Messi won his second straight Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player award after guiding Inter Miami to the MLS title and finishing as the league’s top scorer.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward is also expected to lead Argentina’s defence of the World Cup in June and July in North America.

AFP