Chaos Erupts as Fans Riot at Lionel Messi’s Kolkata Visit
Fans Riot After Messi’s Brief Appearance
Thousands of fansTemplates who paid up to £100 (133 USD) to see Lionel Messi in Kolkata turned hostile and rioted after his appearance lasted only around 20 minutes. The Argentina and Inter Miami forward was whisked away by security, leaving supporters disappointed.
Only leaders and actors were surrounding Messi … Why did they call us then … We have got a ticket for 12 thousand rupees, but we were not even able to see his face.“A fan at the stadium told ANI”
Messi’s India Tour
- Messi is in India for his ‘GOAT tour’, a series of promotional events.
- His tour began with the unveiling of a 70ft statue of himself in Kolkata.
- Fans were expecting a short exhibition game during his visit to Kolkata.
Kolkata’s Football Fervor
Kolkata, the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal, has a large football fanbase. Events like Messi’s visit draw massive crowds, even in a country predominantly obsessed with cricket.
Apologies and Enquiry
West Bengal’s chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, apologised to Messi and “sports lovers” for the incident, announcing an enquiry to fix responsibility and prevent future occurrences.
Evergreen Fan Love
Despite the chaos, fans’ adoration for Messi remains undeterred. Hitesh, a 24-year-old corporate lawyer, flew nearly 1,900 kilometres from Bangalore to catch a glimpse of his idol.
“For me it’s personal. … Messi is the player I related with the most, no one can match his talent. He gives me hope that with talent you can do anything.”“Hitesh, a 24-year-old corporate lawyer”
FAQs
- Did Messi play a game in Kolkata?
- No, he was only expected to walk around the stadium and greet fans.
- What is the ‘GOAT’ tour?
- It’s a series of promotional events held in various Indian cities, including Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi.
Call to Action
Share your thoughts on this chaotic event in the comments below. How would you react if you paid to see a sporting icon and they left early?