Chaos in GOAT India Tour: Messi Leaves Kolkata Early As Fans Vandalise Salt Lake Stadium

The Lionel Messi GOAT India tour in Kolkata turned into a disaster after 20 minutes of his arrival at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium). The brief stay of the Argentine legend and the heavy security at the ground have caused dissatisfaction amongst the fans who have taken over the venue to show their frustration.

Angry fans from the stands threw bottles and chairs onto the ground as chaos unfolded at the Mecca of Indian Football. There are reports that the frustrated fans have broken the poster hoardings, showing their discontent regarding the mismanagement of the authority and the restricted visibility throughout the appearance of Messi in the ground.

With security measures heightened and prompt action from the authorities, Messi and the VVIPs have been escorted out of the event in 10 minutes.

Lionel Messi in Salt Lake Stadium: What went wrong?

While Messi in Kolkata promised the celebration of the year for the people of the City of Joy, the event has been nothing short of a disappointment.

The program only lasted for 20 minutes, during which Messi was constantly surrounded by the media and the politicians. At all times, there were at least 100 to 200 people covering him. Naturally, the restricted view and lack of minutes agitated the 80,000 fans who paid the hefty ticket price to see him.

The common frustration among the fans was that only privileged people and the politicians surrounded the Argentine World Cup-winner throughout the event. So much so, all the fans who took it to the stadium with their 12,000 INR ticket barely got to see the face of Messi.

What's Next in Lionel Messi GOAT India Tour?

Since the abrupt ending of Messi in Kolkata event, there has been quite a stir around the Salt Lake Stadium. Following his departure from the venue in just 10 minutes, agitated fans threw plastic bottles at the officials. Moreover, there have been reports that the frustrated fans broke the seats of the venue.

Fans showcased their disappointment with the management inside and outside the stadium. As per a Lok Bhavan official, the West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has asked for a detailed report from the state government. regarding the arrangements made for the event.

The jury is still out on whether the other half of the itinerary, which includes Messi's meeting with Mamata Banerjee and Sourav Ganguly, will take its gradual course given the situation at hand. Moreover, we are yet to see a statement from Satadru Dutta regarding the chaos and lack of mismanagement of the event.