Messi’s Kolkata Visit: A Day of Chaos

Frenzy Turns to Fury

Kolkata experienced an unprecedented spectacle on Saturday as Lionel Messi made his much-anticipated appearance at Salt Lake Stadium. What started as a festive frenzy quickly devolved into chaos, leaving tens of thousands of fans in uproar after an unsatisfactory glimpse of the football icon.

The Fan Frenzy

Around 60,000 fans, many sporting Argentina’s blue-and-white stripes with "Messi" emblazoned on their backs, filled the stands from early morning. Tickets, priced between Rs 5,000 and Rs 16,000, drew eager supporters who arrived with soaring expectations. However, the day took a turn that no one anticipated.

Momentary Glory

Messi stepped onto the pitch at 11:30 AM, greeted by thunderous applause. Unfortunately, the moment was fleeting. Within minutes, a throng of VIPs, officials, and selfie-seekers surrounded him, leading to a rapid withdrawal for security reasons. The crowd, desperate for a closer view, was left disappointed as the star and his Inter Miami teammates were whisked away.

A Host of Celebrities

During his brief time at the stadium, Messi encountered former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, who had just taken his seat. Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was also scheduled to join the event but was unable to enter due to the escalating situation.

Unruly Outburst

As the realization set in that Messi wouldn’t return, the situation grew increasingly volatile. The stadium, recently refurbished for the 2017 Under-17 FIFA World Cup, suffered from the crowd’s frustration. Police were quickly overwhelmed, prompting DGP Rajeev Kumar to take charge of crowd control for nearly 90 minutes, all while avoiding a lathi-charge due to safety concerns.

Official Response

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, en route to the venue, turned back upon hearing of the chaos. She expressed her shock at the mismanagement and ordered a probe to address accountability and establish safeguards for the future.

A Bitter Contrast

This chaotic event sharply contrasts with Messi’s 2011 visit, where he led Argentina to victory over Venezuela at the same stadium. During this recent appearance, Messi arrived in Kolkata, attended a sponsor program, and was quickly engulfed by a sea of dignitaries, diminishing his visibility to the paying public.

The Root of the Chaos

A significant issue lay beneath the surface: too many people crowded into a limited space overwhelmed the security protocols. Messi struggled to take even a step as hundreds tried to get closer to the star.

In summary, Messi’s Kolkata visit not only sparked immense excitement but also highlighted the importance of effective crowd management at major events to prevent chaos and ensure a positive experience for fans.