Messi visit turns ugly in Kolkata as frustrated fans revolt at stadium [Video]

Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated appearance in Kolkata ended in disorder on Saturday morning, as frustrated fans breached security after failing to catch even a fleeting glimpse of the global football icon during his brief 22-minute visit to the Salt Lake Stadium.

What was billed as a landmark occasion for football lovers in the City of Joy quickly unravelled into chaos, with spectators describing the event as poorly managed and deeply disappointing.

Instead of celebrating Messi’s presence, the stadium was engulfed by unrest as tensions flared moments after the Argentine emerged from the tunnel.

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The situation deteriorated so rapidly that the programme was cut short. High-profile guests, including Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, were unable to participate as planned.

With crowd control slipping away, promoter Shatadru Datta, organiser of the ‘GOAT Tour’, alongside security officials, moved swiftly to escort Messi out of the venue as disturbances intensified across the stands.

Angry fans, many of whom had paid between ₹4,500 and ₹10,000 for tickets, vented their frustration by throwing bottles and damaging fibreglass seating.

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Police were forced to step in as they struggled to restore order inside the stadium.

One supporter, Ajay Shah, voiced his anger to PTI, accusing organisers of mismanagement.

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Messi’s fleeting appearance, coupled with heightened expectations and logistical lapses, ultimately turned what should have been a historic football celebration into a deeply frustrating experience for thousands of fans.