Chaos Breaks Out During Lionel Messi’s Kolkata Appearance

Former Cricketer Manoj Tiwari’s Outrage

Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwari expressed his frustration over the disarray that overshadowed Lionel Messi’s anticipated appearance at Salt Lake Stadium. He emphasized that a global icon like Messi "deserved better."

“I am speechless at what happened today in my city! This is shambolic! As an international sportsperson, I felt the embarrassment for Messi. The craze was expected, yet the organizers failed to deliver," Tiwari stated.

Criticism of Event Organizer

Tiwari’s comments extended to the event organizer, Satadru, who was arrested following the incident. “It’s disheartening to see how Satadru mishandled the hard-earned money and emotions of Bengal’s football fans,” he added, seeking strict consequences for the organizer’s actions.

Messi’s Brief Visit

Messi’s visit, which was meant to last longer, was reduced to just 22 minutes. This brief appearance turned what was supposed to be a historic celebration into a poorly managed event. Over 50,000 fans, many of whom paid between ₹4,000 and ₹12,000, were left disappointed, struggling for a glimpse of the World Cup winner.

Deteriorating Situation

The atmosphere grew tense as Messi was encircled by politicians, VVIPs, and security personnel, blocking the paying public’s view. Despite repeated pleas from promoter Satadru Dutta through the public address system to clear the area, the situation escalated, forcing Messi to exit earlier than planned.

Angry Fan Response

In response to the chaos, frustrated fans began throwing bottles and chairs, leading to vandalism of stadium property. The unrest continued for over an hour, requiring police intervention to maintain order and prevent a stampede.

Conclusion: A Lesson in Planning

Messi’s second visit to Kolkata, part of his India tour, aimed to inspire local football enthusiasts but instead highlighted severe deficiencies in event planning and crowd control. The event’s fallout has raised significant concerns about governance, accountability, and the treatment of loyal fans.

For more updates, follow the ongoing conversations around this event on social media using the hashtag #Messi.

This article breaks down the key points of the chaotic event, emphasizing the failures and lessons learned for future occasions.