Fans at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium caused chaos on Saturday, tearing up seats and throwing them onto the pitch after Lionel Messi left the venue only 20 minutes into his visit. His early exit sparked frustration among thousands who had gathered to see the Argentina and Inter Miami star.
Messi had come as part of his India tour to meet fans, attend football clinics, and launch charitable initiatives, but left quickly due to poor crowd management.
“I can’t believe there was so much mismanagement,” said Eddie Lal Hmangaihzuala, who travelled over 1,400 km from Mizoram to see Messi. “He left quickly, I think he felt unsafe. I hardly got a glimpse of him.”
Authorities acted promptly. Satadru Dutta, the event’s chief organiser, has been detained, said West Bengal Police Director General Rajeev Kumar.
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“We’re taking action so that this mismanagement does not go unpunished,” Kumar said. “He has promised in writing that tickets sold for the event will be refunded.”
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologised to Messi and fans, calling the incident “deeply disturbing.” She announced an enquiry committee to investigate and assign responsibility.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) said it had no role in organising the event.
“This was a private event organised by a PR agency,” the AIFF said. “We were not involved in planning or execution. We urge all attendees to cooperate with authorities and maintain order.”
Despite the chaos, Messi took part in the ceremonial unveiling of a 70-foot statue of himself in Kolkata, continuing his India tour.