Football superstar Lionel Messi canceled a stadium tour in India after a short time due to chaotic conditions and riots by angry fans. In Kolkata, the 38-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 teammates Rodrigo de Paul and Luis Suárez from Inter Miami, moved across the pitch’s tartan track in a shielded crowd in a large crowd. Due to tight security, spectators struggled to catch a glimpse of him. Some tickets are said to have cost more than the equivalent of 100 euros. Many fans stormed the field, others tore the stadium seating from its anchorage and destroyed banners and tents. Water 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.” Javed Shamim, a senior police official in the state, told reporters that the “main organizer” of the event had been arrested. He didn’t give any details.
Before the chaos broke out, Messi unveiled a 21-meter-high statue in Kolkata showing him holding the World Cup. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is expected in the cities of Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi in the coming days. Messi is said to be loud in the Indian capital Indian Times Meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
