An appearance by football star Lionel Messi at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium turned chaotic after disappointed fans reacted angrily to his brief visit. Thousands of supporters had gathered at the venue after purchasing tickets costing up to Rs 12,000, hoping to see the footballer closely during his India tour.
Messi, who is in the country for his GOAT promotional tour, entered the stadium and walked around the pitch waving to fans. However, he was surrounded by officials and guests, limiting visibility for much of the crowd. After around 20 minutes, security escorted him away, triggering frustration among sections of attendees.
Following his exit, some fans stormed the pitch, damaged banners and tents, and threw plastic chairs and water bottles. The situation led to concern from authorities, with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressing shock over the incident and announcing an enquiry to determine responsibility and prevent future occurrences.
Messi’s visit to Kolkata also included the unveiling of a 70-foot statue created by a large team over several weeks. Due to security concerns, the unveiling was conducted virtually. Despite the unrest, the city reflected strong enthusiasm for football, with fans travelling from across India to witness the global icon.
The GOAT tour includes scheduled promotional events in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi.
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