Lionel Messi’s long-awaited return to India after 14 years began on Friday amid scenes of excitement, disappointment, and controversy, as severe crowd mismanagement at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium left thousands of fans frustrated after failing to catch even a glimpse of the Argentine superstar.
The footage, shared by news agencies appeared to capture fans unable to catch a glimpse of Messi went on a rampage destroying whatever they could lay their hands on.
Messi’s brief and tightly guarded appearance triggered chaos and anger among spectators, many of whom had waited for hours hoping to see the World Cup-winning captain. Surrounded by heavy security and dignitaries, Messi remained largely invisible to the crowd, prompting sharp criticism on social media and on the ground.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee later issued an apology to Messi, acknowledging lapses in crowd control and condemning the mismanagement that overshadowed what was meant to be a historic celebration of football.
A highlight of the visit was the unveiling of a 70-foot statue of Messi holding the FIFA World Cup trophy, inaugurated virtually. The monument, intended as a tribute to the global icon, has also sparked debate over priorities in Indian football, with critics questioning whether such symbolic gestures divert attention from grassroots development and domestic leagues.
Messi arrived in Kolkata at around 2:30 am, proceeding directly to his hotel before attending closed-door sponsor engagements early in the morning. He later headed to Salt Lake Stadium, where he interacted with prominent figures including Shah Rukh Khan, Mamata Banerjee, and former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly.
