Anger and confusion broke out at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium after football star Lionel Messi made a brief appearance that left many fans disappointed.
Thousands of people had gathered at the stadium hoping to see the Argentina and Inter Miami forward during his visit to India as part of his promotional tour.
Many fans had paid large sums of money for tickets, expecting a closer and longer moment with the player they admire.
According to organisers, some tickets cost as much as Ksh7,380, a price that many supporters said was difficult to afford.
Fans arrived early, chanting Messi’s name, buying jerseys, and wearing headbands with messages of support.
The atmosphere before his arrival was full of excitement, with many believing they would watch him play a short exhibition match or at least see him clearly from the stands.
Messi eventually walked out onto the pitch and waved to the crowd, but he was surrounded by a large group of officials, politicians, and celebrities.
Many fans said this blocked their view and made it hard to even see his face.
After about 20 minutes, security escorted him away from the stadium, ending his appearance much earlier than many had expected.
As word spread through the stands that Messi was leaving, frustration turned into anger among sections of the crowd. Some fans stormed parts of the pitch, ripped up seats, and damaged banners and tents.
Others threw plastic chairs and water bottles toward the field. Police and security officers moved in to regain control as the situation grew tense.
West Bengal’s chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, later said she was deeply disturbed and shocked by what happened. She announced that an enquiry would be carried out to understand how the incident unfolded.
Banerjee apologised to Messi and to sports lovers, saying the enquiry committee would look into the organisation of the event, fix responsibility, and suggest ways to prevent similar incidents in the future.
A spokesperson for Messi said the footballer had met the time commitment that had been agreed in advance.
Regarding the organisation of the event, the spokesperson pointed to the apology issued by the chief minister.
Police later confirmed that the event’s chief organiser had been arrested, though no further details were given.
Authorities also said they would explore how fans who bought tickets could be refunded.
The All India Football Federation clarified that it had no involvement in the event, describing it as a private function.
Messi is in India for his ‘GOAT’ tour, which includes promotional events in several cities such as Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi.
His tour in Kolkata had earlier featured the unveiling of a 70-foot statue of him, though he appeared virtually at that event due to security concerns.
Many fans voiced their anger to local media. Some said they had paid the equivalent of a month’s salary and felt cheated. Others complained that police and officials were taking selfies while ordinary fans were pushed aside.
Messi was accompanied during his brief visit by his Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez and Argentina midfielder Rodrigo de Paul.
While the tour was meant to celebrate football, the events at Salt Lake Stadium instead left many supporters feeling let down and unheard.
