Messi's India Tour Descends into Chaos as Fans Riot

Lionel Messi’s Indian tour kicked off in chaos as fans rioted at Kolkata’s Salt Lake stadium, throwing objects and invading the pitch after the Argentine soccer legend made a brief appearance. The event, which was ticketed, descended into pandemonium, with fans expressing their frustration at the lack of access to Messi.

Event Organiser Detained

Satadru Dutta, the event’s chief organiser, has been detained by police, said Rajeev Kumar, director general of West Bengal police. The police action comes after fans ripped up seats and threw them onto the field, causing widespread damage.

Messi was scheduled for a 45-minute visit to the stadium, but his appearance lasted just 20 minutes. Tickets for the event were priced from around 3,500 rupees ($38.65), a significant expense for many fans in India.

One fan, Eddie Lal Hmangaihzuala, said he had paid $130 for a ticket, a staggering amount considering India’s average weekly income. “I can’t believe there was so much mismanagement,” he said. “Messi left quickly, I think he felt unsafe.”

Messi India Tour — Event organiser detained and probe ordered as West Bengal Chief Minister apologises to Messi for ‘mismanagement’.

The organisers of the tour have yet to comment on the incident, but police say they are taking action to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. “We’ve already detained the main organiser,” Rajeev Kumar said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has apologised to Messi and ordered a probe into the incident. “I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake stadium,” she said.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for stricter security measures at public events. The Salt Lake stadium has a history of fan violence, including a riot in 2012 that left a player seriously injured.

Areas Messi Expected To Visit

Messi’s Indian tour is scheduled to include stops in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, and fans are eagerly awaiting his arrival. However, the incident in Kolkata has raised concerns about the safety and security of the event.

The Argentine soccer great has a massive following in India, and his visit is seen as a major coup for the country’s soccer community. However, the chaos in Kolkata has overshadowed the event.

Messi has previously visited Kolkata, and in 2017, he unveiled a statue of himself holding the World Cup. The statue was erected in front of thousands of adoring fans.

While the sport has a huge following in the country, it also poses significant challenges for event organisers.

The police have promised to take action against those responsible for the chaos, and an investigation is underway. The outcome of the probe is eagerly awaited by fans and officials alike.

As Messi continues his Indian tour, fans are hoping for a more peaceful and enjoyable experience. The soccer legend’s visit is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many, and they are eager to catch a glimpse of him.

Messi’s visit to India is a testament to the country’s growing reputation as a major sports hub. With the right planning and management, the event can be a huge success, despite the chaos in Kolkata.