Angry Fans Vandalise India Stadium After Lionel Messi’s Abrupt Exit [Photos]

Chaos broke out at a football stadium in India after Argentine superstar Lionel Messi suddenly left the venue, leaving thousands of fans angry and disappointed.

The Argentine superstar is in India for a three-day visit as part of his widely publicised “GOAT Tour.” He arrived in West Bengal early on Saturday and was welcomed by excited supporters chanting his name.

Later that day, Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata was filled with fans wearing Messi shirts and waving Argentina’s flag.

However, tight security around the football icon made it difficult for many people to see him properly.

Messi briefly walked around the pitch, waved at the crowd, and then exited the stadium earlier than expected.

His early departure sparked frustration among fans, many of whom had paid over $100 for tickets.

Angry spectators pulled out seats, threw water bottles onto the running track, and broke through barricades to enter the pitch. Some also damaged banners and temporary structures set up inside the stadium.

One fan, 37-year-old businessman Nabin Chatterjee, said watching Messi had always been a dream but blamed poor organisation for ruining the experience.

“For me, to watch Messi is a pleasure, a dream. But I have missed the chance to have a glimpse because of the mismanagement in the stadium,” he told AFP.

Before the situation turned chaotic, Messi unveiled a massive 21-metre statue showing him lifting the World Cup trophy.

Lionel Messi was also scheduled to take part in a short exhibition match, which never happened.

Another supporter, Ajay Shah, told local media that people had spent large sums of money just to see Messi.

“I paid Rs 5,000 ($55) for the ticket and came with my son to watch Messi, not politicians. The police and military personnel were taking selfies, and the management is to blame,” Ajay Shah, told PTI.

West Bengal’s chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, later expressed her disappointment over the incident and apologised to Messi and football fans.

“I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident,” she said in a post on X, adding that she had ordered a probe into the incident.

Messi is expected to continue his tour with visits to Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. His trip may also include a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The football legend recently won his second straight MLS Most Valuable Player award after leading Inter Miami to the league title and finishing as the top scorer.

He is also set to lead Argentina’s defence of the World Cup later this year in North America.

See some photos below:

KanyiDaily recalls that Lionel Messi recently admitted he “didn’t enjoy” his time at Paris Saint-Germain, reflecting on his two-year stint at the French club.