Lionel Messi's highly anticipated three-day tour of India hit turbulence in Kolkata on December 13 as tens of thousands of fans, eager for a glimpse of the Argentine icon, erupted in chaos at the Salt Lake Stadium.
After just a few laps around the pitch, Messi abruptly ended his walk, leaving fans frustrated. Supporters began tearing up seats and hurling them onto the field, forcing stadium staff to intervene.
Local authorities detained Satadru Dutta, the chief event organizer, on charges related to public disorder. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued a public apology to Messi and pledged a full investigation into the security lapse.
The incident underscores the challenges of staging high-profile global events in stadiums filled to capacity. As Messi's tour moves to its next stops, organizers face mounting pressure to deliver secure, fan-friendly experiences across India.
For global sports fans, the Kolkata chaos highlights both the passion Messi inspires and the logistical hurdles of mega-events in fast-growing markets like India.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
