Lionel Messi's highly anticipated tour of India has been marred by chaos and mismanagement, particularly during its initial leg in Kolkata. While subsequent stops in Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi saw improvements in organization and fan experiences, the events in Kolkata cast a shadow over the entire tour.
The trouble began at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium, also known as Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, where Messi was scheduled to make an appearance on December 13. Fans, some of whom had traveled long distances and paid hefty sums for tickets, were left разочарован by Messi's brief 20-minute visit. Reports indicate that tickets cost upwards of ₹3,500 (approximately $53.44 Canadian), a significant amount in India. Some fans claimed to have paid even more, around $130 US (approximately $180 Canadian). The brevity of Messi's appearance, coupled with what many attendees described as poor organization, led to widespread anger and frustration.
Videos and images circulated online showed fans ripping up seats and throwing them onto the field. Some individuals breached the fences surrounding the pitch and hurled objects, escalating the situation. The unrest forced Messi to leave the stadium prematurely, further fueling the crowd's disappointment. Witnesses reported a heavy crowd surrounding Messi, including security personnel and media, which made it difficult for many fans to even catch a glimpse of the football star. One fan who traveled nearly 1,500 kilometers expressed his disappointment, stating that he barely saw Messi and believed the player felt unsafe.
The chaotic scenes in Kolkata drew swift condemnation. Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, apologized to Messi and ordered an investigation into the incident. She expressed her shock at the mismanagement and constituted an inquiry committee to determine responsibility and prevent similar occurrences in the future. Satadru Dutta, the chief organizer of the event, was detained by the police. Authorities pledged to take strict action against those responsible for the mismanagement and promised refunds for tickets sold for the event. The All India Football Federation also distanced itself from the event, expressing deep concern over the incidents.
In contrast to the Kolkata debacle, the subsequent legs of Messi's tour in Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi were reportedly better organized. In Mumbai, police tightened security arrangements, learning from the Kolkata experience, to ensure the smooth conduct of events. Messi participated in events such as the Padel GOAT Cup and met with prominent figures, including cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar and Indian football star Sunil Chhetri. In Delhi, Messi concluded his tour with a lap of honor at Arun Jaitley Stadium, where he was greeted by enthusiastic fans. Despite concerns about air pollution, thousands of fans turned out to see Messi.
Messi's India tour included a mix of public appearances, cultural events, youth football clinics, and the launch of charitable initiatives. He also virtually unveiled a 70-foot statue of himself in Kolkata. Despite the initial setback in Kolkata, Messi's presence in India generated considerable excitement among football fans in a country where cricket traditionally dominates. The tour highlighted both the immense popularity of Lionel Messi and the challenges of organizing large-scale events in India.
