KOLKATA: What was meant to be a historic celebration of football in Kolkata during Lionel Messi’s GOAT Tour turned into chaos on Saturday, as angry fans broke security protocols after failing to catch even a glimpse of the superstar during his brief appearance at Salt Lake Stadium, officially known as Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
Messi arrived around 11:30 am with long-time strike partner Luis Suarez and Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul. He waved to the crowd but remained surrounded by VIPs, organisers, and heavy security, cutting off spectators’ view in the galleries and on giant stadium screens.
Frustration quickly mounted as chants of “We want Messi” echoed through the stands.
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who had arrived in Kolkata for the special event, along with former India captain Sourav Ganguly and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, were unable to be part of the programme as the event was cut short amid the chaos.
Bottles were hurled onto the field, banners and hoardings were torn down, and plastic seats were damaged, prompting police intervention.
“Here, a glass of cold drink costs Rs 150–200, yet we couldn’t even catch a glimpse of Messi. People have spent a month’s salary to see him. 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. There wasn’t even drinking water available,” said fan Ajay Shah to reporters.
Some spectators attempted to rip open barricades and rush onto the pitch, though additional security managed to prevent a full-scale stampede.
Promoter Satadru Datta and security personnel escorted Messi out within minutes, leaving fans disappointed despite paying ticket prices ranging from Rs 4,500 to Rs 10,000.