The Argentinian World Cup winner reportedly only spent 20 minutes in Salt Lake stadium and was closely attended at all times, sparking protests from fans who had paid to see him
Fans in the Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata threw ripped-up stadium seats and other objects onto the field and track, while several people climbed a fence around the field and hurled objects, video from ANI news agency showed, after an appearance that lasted just 20 minutes, according to Indian media.
“Only leaders and actors were surrounding Messi,” a fan told ANI. Why did they call us then? We have got a ticket for 12,000 rupees (€110), but we were not even able to see his face.”
Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi with his Inter Miami teammates Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suarez at the stadium during his tour of India .Picture: REUTERS/Sahiba Chawdhary
The organisers of Argentina and Inter Miami forward’s tour of India did not immediately respond to a request for a comment.
Messi is in India as part of a tour during which he is scheduled to attend concerts, youth football clinics, a padel tournament and launch charitable initiatives at events in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi.
The chief minister of West Bengal state, Mamata Banerjee, apologised to Messi and ordered a probe into the incident.
“I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake stadium,” Banerjee, who was on her way to the event when chaos broke out, posted on X.
“I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident,” she said. “I am constituting an enquiry committee… the committee will conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.”
Fans sit on top of the goal post after Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi leaves the stadium. Picture: REUTERS/Sahiba Chawdhary
The All India Football Federation later released a statement that read: “The All India Football Federation is deeply concerned by the events that transpired at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, where thousands of fans gathered to witness world football stars Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul.
“This was a private event organised by a PR agency. The AIFF was not involved in the organisation, planning, or execution of this event in any capacity. Furthermore, the details of the event were neither communicated to the AIFF, nor was any clearance sought from the Federation.
“We urge all attendees to extend their full cooperation with the relevant authorities and to maintain order. The safety and security of all individuals involved must remain the paramount priority.”
West Bengal, Kerala and Goa states have long had large soccer followings in otherwise cricket-crazed India.
Argentine soccer great Diego Maradona twice visited Kolkata and in 2017 unveiled a statue of himself holding the World Cup, in the presence of thousands of fans.
Messi, who played in a friendly match at the Salt Lake Stadium in 2011 in which Argentina defeated Venezuela 1-0, virtually unveiled a 70-foot statue of himself in Kolkata on Saturday.