Kolkata’s iconic Salt Lake Stadium was left badly damaged after football fans erupted in anger during Lionel Messi’s much-hyped visit to India, following disappointment over the football legend’s brief appearance.
Thousands of fans had packed the stadium, with some paying up to 12,000 Indian rupees (about KSh17,000) in hopes of seeing Messi up close. However, excitement quickly turned into frustration when the Argentine superstar only made a short lap around the pitch, heavily shielded by security personnel and invited dignitaries.
Witnesses say Messi remained largely inaccessible to the general crowd, fueling discontent among fans who had waited hours for a meaningful interaction. The situation escalated further when security officials escorted the Inter Miami and Argentina captain out of the stadium after roughly 20 minutes.
Moments later, chaos broke out as angry spectators began vandalizing the facility, ripping out seats, damaging sections of the pitch, and overwhelming both event organizers and police officers deployed at the venue.
Authorities have confirmed that the full extent of the destruction is yet to be assessed, as investigations continue into the incident.
Messi is currently in India as part of his much-publicized “GOAT Tour,” a promotional campaign that includes scheduled stops in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. Organizers have not yet commented on whether the violent incident will affect the remaining tour dates.
