Chaos Erupts at Messi Event in India as Angry Fans Hurl Chairs and Bottles

Crowd unrest broke out during a Lionel Messi–related event in India after frustrated fans began throwing chairs and bottles, forcing organizers to intervene and halt proceedings. The disturbance reportedly followed delays and unmet expectations surrounding the appearance, leading to heightened tensions. Security personnel worked to control the situation, and no serious injuries were immediately reported as authorities investigated the incident.

Anger erupted at a Lionel Messi appearance in India after frustrated fans ripped up seats and hurled objects toward the field when the football superstar’s brief visit ended abruptly at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium.

Thousands of supporters had paid as much as 12,000 rupees ($133) for tickets to see Messi during his visit to the city, part of his “GOAT (Greatest of All Time) Tour” of India. Many were left disappointed when the Argentina and Inter Miami forward emerged only briefly, walking around the pitch while surrounded by a large group of officials and celebrities that obscured fans’ view.

After roughly 20 minutes, Messi was escorted away by security, triggering hostile reactions from sections of the crowd. Some fans stormed the pitch, vandalized banners and tents, and threw plastic chairs and water bottles toward the field.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she was “deeply disturbed and shocked” by the incident. She announced an official inquiry, apologized to Messi, and expressed regret to “sports lovers” affected by the chaos.

“The [enquiry] committee will conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future,” Banerjee said in a post on X.

A spokesperson for Messi said the footballer fulfilled the time commitment that had been agreed upon in advance. Regarding the organization of the event, the spokesperson referred questions to Banerjee’s public apology.

A police official told reporters that the event’s “chief organizer” had been arrested, according to AFP, though no further details were provided. Authorities are also examining how organizers might refund ticket holders, the official said.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) said it was not involved in the event, describing it as a private function.

Messi’s India tour includes promotional stops in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. The visit began with the unveiling of a 70-foot statue of Messi in Kolkata, assembled over 27 days by a 45-member crew. Due to security concerns, Messi appeared virtually at the unveiling.

Despite that, thousands of fans traveled to Salt Lake Stadium hoping to see the footballer in person. Supporters chanted his name, bought jerseys, and wore “I love Messi” headbands. Expectations were high, with reports from AFP suggesting Messi had been expected to play a short exhibition match.

“Only leaders and actors were surrounding Messi. Why did they call us then?” one fan told Indian news agency ANI. “We got a ticket for 12,000 rupees, but we were not even able to see his face.”

Another fan told Press Trust of India that some attendees had spent the equivalent of a month’s salary to see the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

“I paid Rs 5,000 for the ticket and came with my son to watch Messi, not politicians,” the fan said. “The police and military personnel were taking selfies, and the management is to blame.”

Messi was accompanied during his brief appearance by Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez and Argentina midfielder Rodrigo de Paul. Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan also met Messi earlier in the day, according to Reuters.

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, has a deep football culture despite India being largely dominated by cricket. Massive crowds routinely gather for local club derbies, and enthusiasm for Messi was evident well before the stadium event.

In the early hours of Saturday, thousands of fans lined roads and gathered outside Messi’s hotel hoping to catch a glimpse of the star.

Hitesh, a 24-year-old corporate lawyer who flew nearly 1,900 kilometers from Bengaluru, said seeing Messi was deeply personal.

“For me it’s personal. You can see I am quite short, and I love to play football with my friends,” he told the BBC while standing near the statue. “Messi is the player I related with the most. No one can match his talent. He gives me hope that with talent you can do anything.”

For questions or comments write to contactus@bostonbrandmedia.com

Source: BBC