'Fans throw chairs and bottles': Messi chaos in Kolkata becomes international topic

Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated visit to Kolkata as part of his India GOAT Tour made international headlines after the event at Salt Lake Stadium descended into chaos. Reports from BBC, The Guardian, and Reuters highlighted fan frustration and vandalism following the Argentine superstar’s brief appearance.

Here’s how international media reacted

According to BBC, thousands of fans paid up to Rs 12,000 hoping to catch a glimpse of Messi, only to be disappointed when he walked around the pitch briefly, surrounded by officials and politicians. Security took Messi away after just 20 minutes, prompting the crowd to turn hostile, throwing chairs and bottles and vandalising stadium property.

“Angry fans throw chairs and bottles at Messi event in India,” BBC wrote. “Lionel Messi’s India tour starts in chaos as angry fans throw seats in stadium,” The Guardian said. “Police detain organiser of Messi visit after Indian fans rip up seats,” Reuters wrote.

The Guardian reported on the chaos, emphasising that Messi’s appearance lasted barely 20 minutes and that fans climbed fences and hurled ripped-up seats in frustration. Many supporters, some traveling over 1,500 km, expressed disbelief at the mismanagement.

More from Football

Messi’s Kolkata visit turns chaotic as fans cry fraud, triggers protests and police action: 'We want refund' Messi's GOAT India Tour: 70-foot statue, Rs 10 lakh for photo and football star to walk the ramp

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologised publicly and announced a detailed enquiry into the incident. Reuters focused on the police action following the disruption, reporting that Satadru Dutta, the main organiser of the event, was detained. Director General of West Bengal Police Rajeev Kumar confirmed that organisers had pledged in writing to refund tickets sold for the event.

All these outlets highlighted that Kolkata has a passionate football following despite India being a largely cricket-dominated country. “I can’t believe there was so much mismanagement. Messi left quickly, I think he felt unsafe. I hardly got a glimpse of him,” a fan who had travelled from Mizoram said.

Meanwhile, Messi has arrived in Hyderabad for the second leg of his tour, where he will also play a 7v7 exhibition match with Telanagana CM Revnath Reddy. Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also arrived in the city to meet Messi.