Kolkata: Football fans’ much-anticipated encounter with Lionel Messi at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday descended into chaos, with the Argentine superstar forced to cut short his appearance due to crowd surge and unrest.
Messi, in India as part of his GOAT Tour, made only a brief appearance at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
Expectations of a memorable fan interaction quickly unraveled when an uncontrollable surge in the crowd prompted security personnel to expedite his departure.
Bottles were reportedly thrown, and some spectators vandalised seats and banners, revealing major lapses in crowd management at one of India’s largest sporting venues.
Fans who had paid premium prices for tickets expressed disappointment, saying they were unable to see Messi either in person or on the stadium’s giant screens despite waiting for hours.
The presence of a heavy security cordon and a large entourage of politicians and dignitaries further restricted visibility, fueling frustration among attendees.
Outside the stadium, spectators told media that Messi remained on the ground for only a few minutes before being ushered away amid heightened tension.
Social media also reflected widespread discontent, with fans criticising organisers for poor planning and inadequate crowd control measures.
Earlier in the day, the event had unfolded on a celebratory note, with fans eagerly awaiting Messi’s arrival and official proceedings proceeding smoothly.
However, the sudden surge of supporters and the lack of proper management led to one of the most chaotic episodes in the city’s recent sporting events.
The incident raises questions over the preparedness of organisers and authorities for high-profile events, particularly those featuring international sports icons, where crowd management and safety protocols are critical to ensuring a smooth experience for spectators.
