Because the waiting fans in the stadium in Kolkata could hardly see him, chaos and riots broke out at the start of Lionel Messi’s tour of India. Prior to this, an oversized statue of the world champion was unveiled.
Just under a week after his MLS triumph with Inter Miami, Lionel Messi set off on a three-day tour of India with his teammates Rodrigo de Paul and Luis Suarez. In Kolkata, the Argentine virtually unveiled a 21-meter-high statue showing him holding the World Cup trophy.
Messi then made an appearance at the local Salt Lake Stadium, where he won a friendly match with Argentina against Venezuela (1-0) in 2011. According to media reports, fans in attendance paid the equivalent of over €100 to get close to their idol. Messi initially made his way around the arena on the tartan track, but due to strict security measures, spectators had great difficulty catching a glimpse of him.
This frustration quickly turned into chaos and violence. Many fans stormed the pitch, while others tore the stadium seats from their anchors and destroyed banners and tents. Water bottles were also thrown onto the pitch. Messi left the stadium earlier than expected.
Chief Minister announces investigation – organizer arrested
“I sincerely apologize to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident,” West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote in a post on X, adding that she had ordered an investigation into the incident. “I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed at Salt Lake Stadium today,” said the 70-year-old, who was on her way to the stadium when the chaos broke out.
Javed Shamim, a senior state police official, told reporters that the “main organizer” of the event had been arrested. He did not provide any details.
Messi is expected to visit the cities of Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi in the coming days. In the Indian capital, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is also scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Messi’s tour will also be accompanied by the “Hola Messi” fan zone, where fans of “La Pulga” (Spanish for “the flea”) can marvel at a life-size Messi figure on a throne and a replica of his large trophy collection.