Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated appearance at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday turned chaotic as thousands of fans expressed their frustration over poor visibility during the event. The Argentine superstar played for just 22 minutes, but the excitement quickly turned to disappointment for many in the crowd of approximately 60,000.
As fans struggled to catch a glimpse of Messi, tensions escalated, leading to incidents of violence. Reports indicate that some attendees began throwing chairs and other objects, while others set a sofa set on fire in a display of anger. The situation deteriorated further, prompting police to intervene with a lathi-charge to disperse the unruly crowd.
The chaos lasted for over an hour, with authorities working to restore order. Eyewitnesses described a scene of confusion and unrest, as fans voiced their dissatisfaction not only with the visibility issues but also with the absence of other expected celebrities. The event, which was meant to celebrate Messi’s presence, ultimately became a focal point for frustration among attendees. As investigations continue, organizers are likely to face scrutiny over the management of the event and the safety of the attendees.
