Due to chaotic conditions and riots by angry fans, football superstar Lionel Messi initially canceled a stadium tour in India after a short time. In Kolkata, the thirty-eight-year-old walked through the Salt Lake Stadium as part of his “GOAT Tour”. Thousands of fans had bought tickets to see the Argentine, but they were angry with the organization.
Messi, who is completing the three-day tour with his Inter Miami teammates Rodrigo de Paul and Luis Suárez, moved across the pitch’s tartan track in a large crowd. Due to tight security, spectators struggled to catch a glimpse of him. Many fans stormed the field, others tore the stadium seating from its anchorage and destroyed banners and tents. According to a report in the Times of India, bottles were also thrown towards the field. Messi left the stadium earlier than expected.
“I sincerely apologize to Lionel Messi as well as 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. She was “sad” and “shocked”.
According to the police, the head of the organization was arrested and the entry fee should be refunded.
Last weekend, the Argentine won the MLS Cup of the North American league with Inter Miami. In the final he and his team defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps with Thomas Müller.
