Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated three‑day “GOAT India Tour” began chaotically on Saturday at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. Many ticket‑holders were left disappointed after waiting for hours, only to miss seeing the soccer star either in person or on the stadium’s big screens. Frustrated fans, many clad in Argentina jerseys, began throwing bottles, seats, and other objects, and some forced their way past security fences onto the field. Overwhelmed security personnel eventually cleared the area, but not before the crowd attempted further vandalism. Fortunately, Messi had already left the premises.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologized to Messi for the “mismanagement” of the event and expressed shock at the disturbance. She also extended apologies to the fans who had purchased tickets expecting a better experience. Banerjee announced the formation of a committee to conduct a detailed inquiry, identify those responsible, and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The tour will continue with scheduled stops in Hyderabad and Mumbai before concluding in New Delhi on Monday. Messi’s longtime teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul will accompany him. Earlier on Saturday, Messi remotely unveiled a 21‑meter statue of himself in Kolkata, which had been expected to be a highlight of his visit. The incident has raised concerns about event management and crowd control for high‑profile events featuring international celebrities in India. The committee’s inquiry is expected to clarify the circumstances and provide recommendations to ensure the remaining events proceed smoothly and fans can enjoy the experience promised to them.
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