Lionel Messi’s GOAT tour descends into chaos with angry fans throwing chairs on the pitch in Kolkata

Lionel Messi‘s promotional tour in India descended into chaos this morning as fans threw chairs onto the pitch at the Salt Lake Stadium to express their anger at the Argentine superstar’s brief appearance.

The plan was for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner to do a lap of honor to show his gratitude for the adoration he’s received in the city, but the event, part of Messi’s GOAT tour, was cut short when fans complained he was barely visible.

Anger quickly rose and chairs and bottles started raining down from the stands, prompting the organizers to eject Messi.

An angry fan told ANI, « Seeing the utter chaos, the management, the authorities, it was absolute rubbish. All the people you see here love football. We all wanted to see Messi but it was a complete scam. We want our money back.

« The management was so bad. It’s a black day for Kolkata. Kolkata is famous for football and we love football, we love Argentina, but this experience is an absolute fraud. Ministers were there with their children and other people couldn’t see anything. We are very hurt. »

Another said: « Absolutely terrible event. He only came for 10 minutes. All the leaders and ministers surrounded him. We couldn’t see anything. He didn’t take a single kick, not a single penalty. He came for 10 minutes and left. So much money, emotion and time wasted. We couldn’t see anything. »

An official apologizes to Messi after the chaos at the stadium

It was a sad end to Messi’s appearance in Kolkata as he had earlier unveiled a towering 70-foot statue at the Sree Bhumi Sports Club in Lake Town, Dum Dum South.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has apologized to the Inter Miami forward, who last week helped his club secure its first MLS Cup triumph.

She writes to X: « I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement we witnessed today at the Salt Lake Stadium. I was on my way to the stadium to attend the event along with thousands of sports lovers and fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of their favorite footballer, Lionel Messi.

« I am setting up a commission of inquiry under the chairmanship of Justice (retd) Ashim Kumar Ray, with the Chief Secretary and Additional Chief Secretary, Home and Mountain Affairs Department as members. The commission will conduct a detailed inquiry into the incident, determine responsibility and recommend measures to prevent similar occurrences in future. »

The tour, which also includes Messi’s Miami teammates Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suarez, moves to Hyderabad later today.