Fans Frustrated After Messi's Brief Visit to Kolkata
December 13, 2025330 AufrufeLesezeit: 2 Minuten
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Chaos erupted in Kolkata following the brief visit of Argentine football star Lionel Messi, who is on a rare promotional tour in India that continues until Monday. Messi, 38, arrived in West Bengal on Saturday morning to a massive crowd chanting his name, highlighting his immense popularity in a country where football is not the primary sport.
Strict Security Measures Frustrate Fans
After hours of waiting, thousands of fans donned in Messi jerseys gathered at Salt Lake Stadium. However, stringent security protocols hindered most from getting a close view of the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player, causing widespread frustration and anger among attendees.
Short Appearance and Early Departure
Local media reported that Messi made only a brief appearance on the field to greet fans before leaving, despite an announced schedule that indicated he would spend several minutes interacting with the crowd, further intensifying the dissatisfaction of those present.
Vandalism and Stadium Storming
Fans expressed their anger, particularly since many had paid over $100 for entry, equivalent to a month’s salary for some. A number of irate fans vandalized seats, throwing them onto the field, and hurled water bottles, necessitating immediate intervention by security personnel.
Witness Accounts from the Stands
Businessman Nabin Chatterjee, 37, told AFP, "Seeing Messi was a dream, but I had no chance to see him due to the poor organization at the stadium." Ajay Shah expressed his discontent to the Indian news agency PTI, stating, "I came with my son to see Messi, not politicians," criticizing the fact that he could not see the Inter Miami star while police and soldiers took selfies with him.
Authorities Acknowledge Poor Organization
Some fans held the event organizers responsible, a sentiment echoed by local authorities. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her "shock" at the poor organization and issued an official apology via the platform X.
Official Apology and Investigation Launched
Banerjee stated, "I sincerely apologize to Lionel Messi and all sports fans and his supporters for this regrettable incident," announcing an investigation to clarify the circumstances and hold those responsible accountable.
Massive Statue and Continuation of Tour
Prior to Messi's arrival at Salt Lake Stadium, a 21-meter tall statue of the Argentine star holding the World Cup trophy was unveiled in Kolkata. Messi's tour will continue in the coming days in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi.
Strict Security Measures Frustrate Fans
After hours of waiting, thousands of fans donned in Messi jerseys gathered at Salt Lake Stadium. However, stringent security protocols hindered most from getting a close view of the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player, causing widespread frustration and anger among attendees.
Short Appearance and Early Departure
Local media reported that Messi made only a brief appearance on the field to greet fans before leaving, despite an announced schedule that indicated he would spend several minutes interacting with the crowd, further intensifying the dissatisfaction of those present.
Vandalism and Stadium Storming
Fans expressed their anger, particularly since many had paid over $100 for entry, equivalent to a month’s salary for some. A number of irate fans vandalized seats, throwing them onto the field, and hurled water bottles, necessitating immediate intervention by security personnel.
Witness Accounts from the Stands
Businessman Nabin Chatterjee, 37, told AFP, "Seeing Messi was a dream, but I had no chance to see him due to the poor organization at the stadium." Ajay Shah expressed his discontent to the Indian news agency PTI, stating, "I came with my son to see Messi, not politicians," criticizing the fact that he could not see the Inter Miami star while police and soldiers took selfies with him.
Authorities Acknowledge Poor Organization
Some fans held the event organizers responsible, a sentiment echoed by local authorities. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her "shock" at the poor organization and issued an official apology via the platform X.
Official Apology and Investigation Launched
Banerjee stated, "I sincerely apologize to Lionel Messi and all sports fans and his supporters for this regrettable incident," announcing an investigation to clarify the circumstances and hold those responsible accountable.
Massive Statue and Continuation of Tour
Prior to Messi's arrival at Salt Lake Stadium, a 21-meter tall statue of the Argentine star holding the World Cup trophy was unveiled in Kolkata. Messi's tour will continue in the coming days in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi.
