Messi’s much‑anticipated “GOAT India Tour” began in chaos when angry supporters threw bottles and tried to damage Salt Lake Stadium after a long wait for a glimpse of the Argentine star.
Chaos at Salt Lake Stadium
The Times of India reported that many ticket‑holders said they failed to see Messi at all – either in person or on the stadium’s big screens – despite waiting for hours. Fans, many of whom wore Messi Argentina shirts, began by throwing seats from the stands, then forced their way past security fences onto the field. They attempted further damage before overwhelmed security personnel chased them away. By the time the security crackdown began, Messi had already left the venue.
Mismanagement and a Public Apology
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee posted a statement on social media. She wrote: “I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium,” Banerjee said. She also apologized to fans who had expected more after paying for tickets. Banerjee added that a committee would be constituted to “conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.”
Tour Itinerary and Star Line‑up
Messi’s three‑day “GOAT India Tour” was designed to take the World Cup winner from Kolkata to Hyderabad, then Mumbai, before concluding in New Delhi on Monday. He was joined by longtime teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul.
Statue Unveiling
Earlier on Saturday, Messi remotely unveiled a 21‑meter (70‑foot) statue of himself in Kolkata. The unveiling was a separate event from the stadium show and occurred before the chaotic incidents.
Key Takeaways
- Fans at Salt Lake Stadium expressed frustration, leading to bottle‑throwing and vandalism.
- Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologized and announced a committee for a detailed inquiry.
- Messi’s tour schedule included Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, with teammates Suárez and De Paul.
- A 21‑meter statue of Messi was unveiled remotely in Kolkata earlier that day.
The events at Salt Lake Stadium have cast a shadow over Messi’s India tour, prompting a public apology from state leadership and a promise of a thorough investigation into the mismanagement that led to the unrest.
