Fans throw objects, invade pitch as Messi visits India

Lionel Messi’s visit to India began in chaos on Saturday as fans hurled objects onto the pitch, tore up stadium seats, and invaded the field at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata after the football icon made only a brief appearance.

Videos shared by ANI news agency showed spectators throwing debris onto the field and track, while others climbed fences and damaged parts of the stage.

Indian media reported that Messi’s appearance lasted about 20 minutes, adding that the Argentine superstar was largely shielded from view by a heavy entourage.

Frustrated fans complained about poor organisation, saying they paid as much as 12,000 rupees ($130) for tickets but barely saw the Argentine star.

Organisers of the Argentina and Inter Miami forward’s tour have yet to speak on the incident.

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Messi is in India for a multi-city tour that includes concerts, youth football clinics, a padel tournament and charitable events in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologised to Messi and fans, describing the incident as a case of serious mismanagement, and ordered an inquiry to identify those responsible and prevent a recurrence.

India’s West Bengal, Kerala and Goa states have long-standing football followings.

Messi previously played at the Salt Lake Stadium in a 2011 friendly, and on Saturday he virtually unveiled a 70-foot statue of himself in Kolkata.

The Star