Kolkata witnessed scenes of both celebration and chaos as football legend Lionel Messi arrived in India for his much-awaited GOAT Tour India 2025. Massive crowds packed the iconic Salt Lake Stadium, forcing Messi to cut short his lap of honour after crowd control issues erupted.
Frustrated fans began throwing bottles, damaging banners and seats, and booing officials as security struggled to manage the overwhelming turnout. The unrest raised serious questions about crowd management at high-profile international events.
00:00Calcutta witnessed scenes of both celebration and chaos on Saturday as football legend Lionel
00:19Messi made his long-awaited appearance at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium.
00:25The Argentine superstar visiting India as part of his Goat Tour India 2025 was greeted by overwhelming crowds, highlighting his immense popularity in the region, particularly in football-loving West Bengal.
00:42But the excitement soon turned unruly.
00:46Messi was forced to cut short his lap of honour as crowd control issues erupted inside the stadium.
00:53Frustrated fans, unable to get a clear view of the football icon, began throwing bottles, damaging banners and seats and loudly booing officials and politicians.
01:05Security struggled to manage the situation as tensions rose, exposing serious challenges in handling massive crowds for high-profile international events.
01:17Despite the unrest at the stadium, the day also featured moments of admiration and tribute.
01:24Earlier, Messi virtually unveiled a massive 70-foot statue in his honour at the Sri Bumi Sporting Club in Laketown in the South Dum Dum area of Calcutta.
01:36The towering iron statue depicts Messi holding the FIFA World Cup trophy, celebrating his crowning achievement with Argentina.
01:48The structure was completed in just 40 days, symbolising the deep admiration Indian fans have for the World Cup-winning captain.
01:58West Bengal Minister and Sri Bumi Sporting Club President Sujit Bose confirmed that Messi had given his consent for the statue and said the footballer's team was pleased with the tribute.
02:11Messi arrived in Calcutta early Saturday morning, triggering massive crowds across key city locations as fans gathered in the hope of catching even a brief glimpse of the global football icon.
02:25The frenzy underscored Messi's extraordinary fan following in India, where he is regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
02:36This visit also marked Messi's first trip to India since 2011.
02:42During his previous visit, he played a friendly match at Salt Lake Stadium, where Argentina defeated Venezuela 1-0, leaving a lasting memory for Indian football fans.
02:55Fourteen years later, his return has reignited that passion, with fans organising elaborate celebrations, banners and tributes across the city.
03:07While the chaos at Salt Lake Stadium raised concerns over crowd management and security preparedness, the overall day stood as a testament to Messi's enduring legacy and his unique connection with Indian fans.
03:23Between the unveiling of a monumental statue and the emotional scenes inside the stadium, Calcutta experienced a historic and unforgettable moment, one that reflected both the power and the challenges of global sports stardom.
Be the first to comment