The much-anticipated appearance of football icon Lionel Messi in Kolkata descended into chaos on Friday as thousands of fans expressed anger over what they described as a poorly managed and disappointing event. Messi reportedly stayed at the stadium for barely 20–22 minutes, leaving large sections of the crowd frustrated and agitated.

Fans alleged that despite paying premium ticket prices, some as high as ₹10,000, they were unable to see Messi clearly. Many complained that the football legend was surrounded by politicians, ministers, and officials, leaving genuine supporters confined to watching brief glimpses on giant screens.

As Messi took a short lap around the stadium, the situation quickly escalated. Water bottles were thrown, event structures were reportedly damaged, and chants criticizing the organisers echoed across the venue. Several fans described the event as a “complete failure” and said Kolkata had been “humiliated” by the mishandling of the visit.

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Security forces, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and local police, were deployed to bring the situation under control. Officials stepped in as hundreds of fans continued to vent their anger, forcing organisers to prioritise safety and crowd management.

Sources said that the unrest caused panic within Team Messi, prompting his early exit from the stadium soon after a brief interaction with former India Captain Sourav Ganguly. Messi reportedly left the venue amid heightened security, cutting short his scheduled presence.

Fans who had travelled from states such as Bengaluru and Kerala also voiced their disappointment, calling the event unorganised and emotionally draining. Many questioned the purpose of the event, stating that the focus shifted from football fans to political photo opportunities, ultimately leaving supporters feeling cheated and disillusioned.

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