Sofia Quijada
Disappointment Turns to Rage
What was meant to be a celebratory event quickly spiraled into chaos as thousands of fans, who had paid up to 12,000 rupees (£100; $133) for a glimpse of Lionel Messi, turned violent at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. The Argentina and Inter Miami forward’s brief appearance lasting around 20 minutes left many feeling cheated. Surrounded by officials and celebrities, Messi was whisked away by security, sparking outrage among attendees.
Fans, who had traveled from across the country, began tearing up seats, hurling plastic chairs, and water bottles onto the pitch. Some stormed the field, vandalizing banners and tents. The frustration was palpable, with one fan telling ANI, “Only leaders and actors were surrounding Messi… Why did they call us then? We paid 12,000 rupees but couldn’t even see his face.”
High Expectations, Harsh Reality
The event was part of Messi’s ‘GOAT tour,’ a promotional series across Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. The tour kicked off with the virtual unveiling of a 70ft statue of Messi, assembled over 27 days by a 45-person crew. Fans, donning “I love Messi” headbands and jerseys, had gathered in hopes of seeing him play a short exhibition match a promise that reportedly fell through.
One attendee, speaking to the Press Trust of India, expressed his disappointment: “I paid Rs 5,000 for the ticket to watch Messi, not politicians. The police and military were taking selfies while we got nothing.”
Official Response and Fan Devotion
Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal’s chief minister, called the incident “deeply disturbing” and announced an inquiry. “The committee will conduct a detailed inquiry, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future,” she stated on X (formerly Twitter).
Despite the chaos, Messi’s influence in Kolkata a city with a passionate football culture remains undiminished. Fans like Hitesh, a 24-year-old corporate lawyer who flew 1,900 kilometers from Bengaluru, still hold him in reverence. “Messi is the player I relate to the most. He gives me hope that with talent, you can do anything,” he told the BBC.
The city’s homage to Messi extends beyond the stadium. A ‘Hola Messi’ fan zone features a life-sized replica of the star on a throne, a hall displaying his trophies, and a recreation of his Miami home complete with mannequins of his family.
As the tour continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the fine line between adoration and frustration when expectations go unmet.
Read also: Messi to Unveil 70ft Statue on ‘GOAT’ Tour of India