Messi's India 'GOAT Tour' Ends in Chaos as Fans Storm Kolkata Stadium

Football superstar Lionel Messi's three-day tour of India descended into chaos when the Argentine abruptly left a stadium, leading to angry spectators breaking down barricades and storming the pitch.

As part of the so-called "GOAT Tour," the 38-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami star arrived in the eastern state of West Bengal early Saturday. He was greeted by exuberant fans chanting his name.

Hours later, thousands of fans, many wearing Messi jerseys and waving the Argentine flag, packed into the Salt Lake Stadium in the state capital, Kolkata. However, heavy security surrounding the footballer made it difficult for fans to catch a glimpse of him, fueling the discontent that led to the breach.

Messi walked around the pitch waving to fans and left the stadium earlier than expected. Frustrated fans, many having paid more than USD 100 for tickets, ripped out stadium seats and hurled water bottles onto the track.

Many others stormed the pitch and vandalised banners and tents. "For me, to watch Messi is a pleasure, a dream. But I have missed the chance to have a glimpse because of the mismanagement in the stadium," businessman Nabin Chatterjee, 37, told a media.

Before the chaos erupted, Messi unveiled a 21-metre (70-foot) statue which shows him holding aloft the World Cup. He was also expected to play a short exhibition game at the stadium.

Another angry fan told the Press Trust of India (PTI) that people had spent "a month's salary" to see Messi.

"I paid INR 5,000 (USD 55) for the ticket and came with my son to watch Messi, not politicians. The police and military personnel were taking selfies, and the management is to blame," Ajay Shah, told PTI.

State chief minister Mamata Banerjee said she was "disturbed" and "shocked" at the mismanagement.

"I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident," she said in a post on X, adding that she had ordered a probe into the incident.

Messi will now head to Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi as part of the four-city tour. His time in India also includes a possible meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Messi won his second consecutive Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player award this week after propelling Inter Miami to the MLS title and leading the league in goals.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker will spearhead Argentina's defence of the World Cup in June-July in North America.

Source: AFP