Crowd Chaos in Kolkata After Messi's Brief Visit
December 13, 20251657 ViewsRead Time: 3 Minutes
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The Indian city of Kolkata witnessed chaotic events following the visit of Argentine star Lionel Messi, who began a rare promotional tour in India that will last until Monday. Messi (38 years old) arrived in West Bengal on Saturday morning to a massive public reception, where thousands chanted his name in a scene that reflects his widespread popularity in a country where football is not the primary sport.
Tight Security Measures Frustrate Fans
Hours after his arrival, thousands of fans wearing Messi jerseys gathered at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, but strict security measures prevented most of them from seeing the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star up close, leading to frustration and anger among the crowd.
Quick Tour and Early Departure
According to local media, Messi only took a short tour around the pitch to greet the fans before leaving immediately, despite the announced program including a few minutes of participation inside the stadium, which increased the discontent of those present.
Vandalism and Stadium Breach
The anger of the fans erupted, especially since many of them paid over $100 to attend the event, an amount equivalent to a “month's salary” for some. A number of angry fans smashed seats and threw them onto the pitch, along with tossing water bottles and breaching the stadium, prompting urgent security intervention.
Angry Testimonials from the Stands
Businessman Nabien Chatterjee (37 years old) told AFP: “Seeing Messi was a dream, but I didn’t get the chance to see him due to poor organization at the stadium.” For his part, Ajay Shah expressed his anger to the Indian news agency PTI, saying: “I came with my son to see Messi, not the politicians,” criticizing his inability to see the Inter Miami star while police and army personnel took “selfies” with him.
Authorities Acknowledge Poor Organization
Many fans held the organizing body responsible for what happened, which was confirmed by local authorities. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her “shock” at the poor organization and issued a formal apology via the platform “X”.
Official Apology and Investigation Launched
Banerjee wrote: “I sincerely apologize to Lionel Messi and all sports fans and his admirers for this unfortunate incident,” announcing the opening of an investigation to determine the circumstances of what occurred and hold those responsible accountable.
Massive Statue and Continuation of the Tour
Before Messi arrived at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata witnessed the unveiling of a massive 21-meter statue of the Argentine star holding the World Cup. Messi is scheduled to continue his tour in the cities of Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi in the coming days.
Tight Security Measures Frustrate Fans
Hours after his arrival, thousands of fans wearing Messi jerseys gathered at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, but strict security measures prevented most of them from seeing the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star up close, leading to frustration and anger among the crowd.
Quick Tour and Early Departure
According to local media, Messi only took a short tour around the pitch to greet the fans before leaving immediately, despite the announced program including a few minutes of participation inside the stadium, which increased the discontent of those present.
Vandalism and Stadium Breach
The anger of the fans erupted, especially since many of them paid over $100 to attend the event, an amount equivalent to a “month's salary” for some. A number of angry fans smashed seats and threw them onto the pitch, along with tossing water bottles and breaching the stadium, prompting urgent security intervention.
Angry Testimonials from the Stands
Businessman Nabien Chatterjee (37 years old) told AFP: “Seeing Messi was a dream, but I didn’t get the chance to see him due to poor organization at the stadium.” For his part, Ajay Shah expressed his anger to the Indian news agency PTI, saying: “I came with my son to see Messi, not the politicians,” criticizing his inability to see the Inter Miami star while police and army personnel took “selfies” with him.
Authorities Acknowledge Poor Organization
Many fans held the organizing body responsible for what happened, which was confirmed by local authorities. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her “shock” at the poor organization and issued a formal apology via the platform “X”.
Official Apology and Investigation Launched
Banerjee wrote: “I sincerely apologize to Lionel Messi and all sports fans and his admirers for this unfortunate incident,” announcing the opening of an investigation to determine the circumstances of what occurred and hold those responsible accountable.
Massive Statue and Continuation of the Tour
Before Messi arrived at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata witnessed the unveiling of a massive 21-meter statue of the Argentine star holding the World Cup. Messi is scheduled to continue his tour in the cities of Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi in the coming days.
