Fans Riot at Stadium During Lionel Messi ‘GOAT’ Tour in India
Chaos erupted at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata as fans became unruly during Lionel Messi’s promotional tour in India. The event, part of Messi’s ‘GOAT tour’, drew large crowds eager to see the football legend, but it ended in disappointment and unrest.
Messi’s ‘GOAT Tour’ in India
Messi’s visit included several promotional events in major cities: Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. In Kolkata, a 70ft statue of Messi was unveiled, which took a team of 45 people 27 days to construct. Due to security concerns, the statue was revealed virtually, prompting thousands to flood the stadium hoping to catch a glimpse of their hero.
Fan Disappointment and Riots
Many fans had purchased tickets costing up to 12,000 rupees (approximately $133), but the reality was far from their expectations. Upon his brief appearance, Messi was surrounded by an entourage, making it difficult for fans to see him. After only 20 minutes, security whisked Messi away, leading to a chaotic scene.
As frustration built, some fans rushed onto the pitch, vandalizing banners and throwing plastic chairs and water bottles. The discontent escalated quickly, with one fan expressing, “We paid to see Messi, not politicians.”
Reactions to the Incident
West Bengal’s Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, expressed her shock and announced an inquiry into the event. She apologized to Messi and his fans, promising measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. “The inquiry committee will determine responsibility and recommend steps to ensure safety,” she stated on social media.
Motivated Fans
- Early Saturday, thousands gathered outside Messi’s hotel hoping to catch a glimpse of him.
- Fans adorned themselves with Messi merchandise, chanting his name throughout the event.
- Hitesh, a fan who traveled over 1,900 kilometers from Bengaluru, described Messi as a source of inspiration and hope.
The event was significant for Kolkata, a city known for its passionate football culture. Unfortunately, the riot overshadowed Messi’s visit, reflecting the frustrations of his devoted fans. As the excitement settled, many were left with memories of chaos instead of the thrill of witnessing the footballing icon.
Fan Zones and Future Engagements
Fans can visit the ‘Hola Messi’ fan zone, featuring a life-sized statue of Messi, a display of his trophies, and a replica of his Miami home. These attractions celebrate the legacy of one of football’s greatest players while the events of the Kolkata appearance serve as a stark reminder of the passionate yet volatile relationship between sports stars and their fans.
