The opening event of Lionel Messi’s India tour descended into chaos when frustrated fans at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium tore out seats, stormed the pitch and threw chairs and water bottles after the footballer’s appearance was cut short. Many supporters, some paying up to 12,000 rupees (£100; $133), expected a longer presentation and a short exhibition match, but said they were unable to see Messi clearly before he was escorted away.
Messi, in India for promotional stops across Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi, appeared for around 20 minutes. Surrounded by officials, security personnel and celebrities, he walked part of the pitch before being withdrawn early. Large sections of the 60,000-strong crowd reacted angrily, destroying banners and tents and forcing police to intervene.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said she was “deeply disturbed and shocked” by the disorder and announced a formal enquiry into the handling of the event. She apologised to Messi and to fans, saying the committee would assess responsibility and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents.
The event followed the virtual unveiling of a 70-foot statue of Messi, created by a 45-member crew over 27 days. Because the unveiling was not held in public for security reasons, thousands gathered at the stadium in anticipation of seeing the 2022 World Cup winner in person. Fans arrived wearing team shirts and “I love Messi” headbands, while crowds also filled the streets outside Messi’s hotel.
Supporters expressed disappointment at the limited view and the heavy presence of non-sporting figures around him. One fan told ANI that those in attendance “were not even able to see his face,” despite paying high prices for entry. Another said people had spent “a month’s salary” only to watch police and military personnel taking selfies.
Kolkata has one of India’s strongest football cultures, regularly drawing huge crowds for derbies between local clubs. The unrest has fuelled debate about event planning and crowd management for large-scale football occasions.
Elsewhere in the city, thousands visited the “Hola Messi” fan zone, which includes a life-sized replica of Messi on a throne, displays of trophies and a recreation of his Miami home featuring mannequins representing his family. Fans also gathered around the newly unveiled statue, with many travelling long distances to attend. One supporter, Hitesh, who flew nearly 1,900km from Bengaluru, said Messi had inspired him since childhood.
Messi’s remaining tour events are expected to proceed as planned, with additional security and crowd-flow measures under review.