What started as a historic launch to Lionel Messi’s GOAT India Tour quickly went south on Saturday, with thousands of angry fans demanding a refund following a short but poorly organised event in Salt Lake Stadium.
The Argentine legend landed in Kolkata on Saturday morning, with huge crowds, a 70-foot statue, and massive anticipation for what has been described as a special day lined up for the event. This includes a meeting with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, a celebratory football match, as well as a performance at the renovated Salt Lake Stadium, which is part of his multi-city tour that includes Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi.
But the waiting didn’t take long as the Messi stadium event came to a close in only 20 to 30 minutes, with several people grumbling that they were unable to even spot the superstar. Fans who paid ticket prices that cost as low as ₹4,000 to ₹25,000 said that officials, ministers, and VIPS crowded around Messi throughout the event, making it more of a “VIP photo op.”
Videos revealed that the spectators were throwing “scam” and “refund” slogans, as well as throwing water bottles, with some even tearing apart chairs. Others tried storming the field by breaching barricades, but the situation was later restored by security personnel.
West Bengal’s Director General of Police, Rajeev Kumar, said that the event organisers have agreed to refund tickets sold for the event, while a committee has been formed to look into the entire matter, including alleged mismanagement.
Later, State Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologised to Messi and his fans, terming the incident ‘disturbing’ with a probe ordered.
Opposition leaders are taking advantage of the situation, seeking accountability with a full ticket refund demanded.
Despite the meltdown situation in Kolkata, Argentine superstar Leo Messi’s tour is set to continue, with future events lined up in India. The event’s organisers are now under immense pressure from all quarters to address the evident flaws that led to such a disastrous event.
