New Delhi: The much-anticipated Kolkata leg of Lionel Messi’s G.O.A.T. Tour descended into chaos on Saturday after thousands of fans failed to get a clear glimpse of the football icon at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium), despite paying premium ticket prices ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹25,000.
Messi arrived at the venue at around 11:15 am but stayed for barely 20 minutes. He was scheduled to take a full lap of the stadium; however, the plan was cut short as crowd anger escalated. Heavy security presence and the close proximity of dignitaries around Messi reportedly blocked the view for spectators in the stands, triggering widespread frustration.
As tempers flared, some fans allegedly began throwing chairs and bottles, forcing organisers to escort Messi out of the stadium for his safety. Police and Rapid Action Force personnel were deployed and used mild force to control the situation after attempts were made to vandalise parts of the stadium.
Following the incident, Satadru Dutta, the chief organiser of the event, was arrested after an FIR was registered. Authorities confirmed that the organiser has been taken into custody and that the issue of ticket refunds promised by the organisers is under consideration.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock over the mismanagement and issued a public apology to Messi and his fans. She announced the formation of an enquiry committee headed by retired Justice Ashim Kumar Ray, with senior state officials as members, to investigate the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Several disappointed fans accused organisers and political leaders of monopolising Messi’s limited time at the venue and failing to deliver what was promised. Many said the event fell far short of expectations, leaving fans feeling that their money, time, and emotions had been wasted.
