Messi Visit in Kolkata Turns Chaotic Organiser Detained by Police

Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated visit to Kolkata, part of his GOAT India Tour, was overshadowed by chaos and disappointment on Saturday, leaving fans frustrated and authorities scrambling to contain the fallout. What was expected to be a festive gathering of football lovers at Salt Lake Stadium quickly spiraled into disorder after Messi’s brief appearance failed to meet fan expectations and poor event management fueled unrest among attendees. 

Thousands of fans many having paid substantial amounts for tickets had gathered with hopes of witnessing the football legend up close. However, the situation turned tense when Messi’s public appearance was noticeably shorter than anticipated, leading to discontent and agitation among the crowd. Some attendees expressed their anger by attempting to vandalise parts of the venue, prompting a swift response from the police to restore order. 

In the midst of the uproar, West Bengal Police took the unusual step of detaining the primary event organiser, holding them accountable for the event’s mismanagement. Authorities also pledged stringent action against those responsible, emphasizing that organisers must be held accountable for the safety and satisfaction of ticket holders. Officials have since promised refunds for disappointed attendees as they assess the full extent of the organisational lapses. 

The chaotic scenes did not go unnoticed by political leaders. Opposition figures seized the moment to criticise the state government’s handling of such a major event, demanding accountability and clear answers on how planning and crowd control failed at a high-profile, widely publicised event intended to celebrate global sport. 

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee personally issued an apology to Messi and the public, acknowledging the shortcomings and expressing regret over how events unfolded. She also ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident to ensure that similar mishaps are prevented at future tour stops. 

Despite the Kolkata setback, Messi’s India tour is set to continue, with planned appearances in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. Organisers now face heightened scrutiny and pressure to deliver better-managed events as they pivot to the next leg of the tour. 

For many fans, what should have been a memorable celebration of sport turned into an unexpected test of patience and organisation. As refunds are issued and investigations proceed, the episode highlights the importance of meticulous planning, especially when staging large-scale events featuring global icons in football-crazy regions like West Bengal.