Fans Riot at Lionel Messi's India Tour, Leaving a Trail of Destruction

Angry fans attending Lionel Messi's tour of India ripped up seats and threw items towards the pitch after his appearance at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium. Thousands of adoring supporters had paid up to 12,000 rupees (approximately $100 or £133) to catch a glimpse of the football star, but were left disappointed when he emerged to walk around the pitch and was obscured by a large group of officials and celebrities. When the Argentina and Inter Miami forward was whisked away early by security after around 20 minutes, elements of the crowd turned hostile. According to reports, the scene turned ugly as the crowd realized Messi's appearance had ended. West Bengal's chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, said she was "deeply disturbed and shocked" by the events. Banerjee announced an enquiry into the incident, apologizing to Messi and "sports lovers" for the disturbance at the stadium. "The enquiry committee will conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future," the chief minister said on X. The incident has sparked concerns about the commercialization of sports events and the expectations of fans. Many fans felt that they had been misled by the event organizers, who had promised a more interactive experience with Messi. The event was part of a larger tour of India, which has been touted as a major marketing opportunity for the football star. The use of social media platforms to promote the event has also been criticized. Fans took to Twitter to express their disappointment and frustration, with many using the hashtag MessiInIndia to share their experiences. The incident has raised questions about the role of social media in shaping fan expectations and the consequences of relying on digital platforms to promote events. The incident has also highlighted the challenges of managing large crowds and ensuring the safety of both fans and celebrities. Event organizers have been criticized for their handling of the situation, with some accusing them of prioritizing commercial interests over fan experience. As the enquiry into the incident continues, fans and event organizers are left to ponder the implications of the event. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of managing fan expectations and ensuring that events are designed with the needs and safety of all attendees in mind.