Security Measures Spark Fan Frustration During Messi's Kolkata Visit
December 13, 2025326 ViewsRead Time: 2 minutes
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The Indian city of Kolkata experienced significant unrest following the visit of Argentine football star Lionel Messi, who is on a promotional tour in India until Monday. Messi, 38, arrived in West Bengal on Saturday morning to a warm reception, with thousands of fans chanting his name, reflecting his immense popularity in a country where football is not the dominant sport.
Tight Security Measures Frustrate Fans
After his arrival, a large crowd of fans donned Messi jerseys and gathered at Salt Lake Stadium. However, stringent security measures prevented many from seeing the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player up close, leading to frustration among attendees.
Brief Appearance and Early Exit
Local media reported that Messi made only a brief appearance on the pitch to greet fans before departing, despite an agenda that included a longer stay at the stadium, which further fueled discontent among those present.
Vandalism and Stadium Breach
Many fans expressed their anger, especially since some had paid over $100 for tickets—an amount that represents a significant portion of a monthly salary for many in the region. In response, a number of frustrated attendees vandalized stadium property, throwing seats and water bottles onto the pitch and breaching security, prompting a swift response from security personnel.
Fan Reactions from the Stands
Businessman Nabien Chatterjee, 37, told AFP, "Seeing Messi was a dream, but I didn’t get the chance due to poor organization at the stadium." Another fan, Ajay Shah, criticized the event's management, stating, "I came with my son to see Messi, not the politicians," referring to the presence of security personnel taking selfies with the star.
Authorities Acknowledge Organizational Failures
Many fans blamed the event organizers for the chaos, a sentiment echoed by local authorities. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her "shock" at the disorganization and issued a formal apology via the platform X.
Official Apology and Investigation Launched
Banerjee stated, "I sincerely apologize to Lionel Messi and all sports fans and his admirers for this unfortunate incident," announcing an investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the event and to hold those responsible accountable.
Massive Statue and Continuation of the Tour
Prior to Messi's appearance at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata unveiled a 21-meter statue of the Argentine star holding the World Cup. Messi is set to continue his promotional tour in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi in the coming days.
Tight Security Measures Frustrate Fans
After his arrival, a large crowd of fans donned Messi jerseys and gathered at Salt Lake Stadium. However, stringent security measures prevented many from seeing the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player up close, leading to frustration among attendees.
Brief Appearance and Early Exit
Local media reported that Messi made only a brief appearance on the pitch to greet fans before departing, despite an agenda that included a longer stay at the stadium, which further fueled discontent among those present.
Vandalism and Stadium Breach
Many fans expressed their anger, especially since some had paid over $100 for tickets—an amount that represents a significant portion of a monthly salary for many in the region. In response, a number of frustrated attendees vandalized stadium property, throwing seats and water bottles onto the pitch and breaching security, prompting a swift response from security personnel.
Fan Reactions from the Stands
Businessman Nabien Chatterjee, 37, told AFP, "Seeing Messi was a dream, but I didn’t get the chance due to poor organization at the stadium." Another fan, Ajay Shah, criticized the event's management, stating, "I came with my son to see Messi, not the politicians," referring to the presence of security personnel taking selfies with the star.
Authorities Acknowledge Organizational Failures
Many fans blamed the event organizers for the chaos, a sentiment echoed by local authorities. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her "shock" at the disorganization and issued a formal apology via the platform X.
Official Apology and Investigation Launched
Banerjee stated, "I sincerely apologize to Lionel Messi and all sports fans and his admirers for this unfortunate incident," announcing an investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the event and to hold those responsible accountable.
Massive Statue and Continuation of the Tour
Prior to Messi's appearance at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata unveiled a 21-meter statue of the Argentine star holding the World Cup. Messi is set to continue his promotional tour in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi in the coming days.
