Lionel Messi’s first leg of the GOAT India Tour in Kolkata began with excitement but quickly turned chaotic. Fans at the Salt Lake Stadium grew impatient and threw bottles and chairs after struggling to get a glimpse of the football superstar. Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel were called in to control the crowd.
Messi landed in Kolkata at 2:26 a.m. and started the day with a virtual unveiling of his 70-foot-tall statue, which is now a new landmark in the city. Later, he entered the stadium around 11:30 a.m., where political leaders, former footballers, and event organisers flocked around him. This left fans in the stands with limited opportunities to see the Argentine legend.
Crowd Frustration Disrupts Events
During Messi’s lap of honour, authorities tried multiple times to clear a path for the crowd, but the gathering remained dense. The excitement of fans escalated into chaos, forcing authorities to intervene.
Two key events were affected due to the disorder: a felicitation ceremony for Bengal’s Santosh Trophy-winning team and a “Master Class with Messi” for children. Fans expressed disappointment at not being able to participate in these activities.
Messi Engages With Teammates and Legends
Messi remained all smiles during his brief stadium visit. He waved at the crowd and participated in a quick meet-and-greet with former Indian footballers who played in an exhibition match between Mohun Bagan “Messi” All Stars and Diamond Harbour “Messi” All Stars.
He was accompanied by his Inter Miami teammates, Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul. Despite the challenges, the footballing interactions and exhibition match went on, delighting fans who managed to catch a glimpse.
Governor Demands Report on Event Management
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has requested an elaborate report on the arrangements for Messi’s programme. The governor raised concerns after several football fans complained that they could not see Messi during the event.
Governor Bose noted that ticket prices were “hefty” and questioned the role of the state government in managing the event. He sought clarification on why the event seemed to prioritise revenue over fans’ experiences, emphasizing the importance of public access during high-profile events.
Highlights of Messi’s First Day in India
Statue Unveiling: Messi’s 70-foot-tall statue was inaugurated virtually in Kolkata.
Meet and Greet: Quick interaction with former football stars at Salt Lake Stadium.
Exhibition Match: Mohun Bagan All Stars vs Diamond Harbour All Stars featured Messi’s presence.
Crowd Chaos: RAF deployment after fans threw chairs and bottles in frustration.
Events Disrupted: Felicitation of Santosh Trophy winners and kids’ Master Class postponed.
What Fans Can Expect Next
Messi’s GOAT India Tour continues with scheduled appearances in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. The upcoming events are expected to include more football sessions, meet-and-greets, and fan activities. Organisers have promised better crowd management to avoid issues similar to Kolkata’s chaos.
Fans remain excited to see Messi live, despite the disruptions, as the Argentine star continues to create unforgettable moments in India.