Kolkata fans' fury erupts after Messi's quick exit, leaves Mamata 'shocked'

The initial euphoria of the massive crowd that had gathered at the Yubha Bharati Krirangan Stadium in Kolkata's Salt Lake to see football superstar Lionel Messi on Saturday morning, soon turned into anger after Messi's quick exit, reports suggested.

Fans, who had gathered in large numbers after spending ₹5,000 and more for what was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, lost their cool over the poor management and failing to get a good glimpse of the GOAT! As per reports, the situation turned chaotic after an angry section of the crowd started hurling bottles, which then led to hurling of chairs and vandalising property.

The Rapid Action Force (RAF) had to be deployed after things started getting out of hand.

Messi, started his visit in Kolkata after virtually unveiling his 70-feet-tall statue. Around 11.30 am, the Argentine legend entered the Salt Lake stadium with his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul. Politicians, former footballers and members of the organising committee flocked the legend, which irked the spectators who failed to get a good glimpse of the iconic star.

A smiling Messi and his teammates waved at the crowd amid loud cheers. However, the GOAT's lap of honour was interrupted with people gathering around him and preventing the fans from getting a good view of their favourite star.

Shocked by the turn of events, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep concern over the mismanagement at Messi's event at the Salt Lake stadium.

She wrote on X, “I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at 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 favourite footballer, Lionel Messi."

Meanwhile, the BJP has slammed the state government over the mishandling of the event. Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala said, “Total embarrassment on an international stage. A global legend like Messi will see a massive public turnout and yet zero planning and very little security. CM Mamata Banerjee can’t even organise or manage an event. TMC leaders surrounded him, and fans were denied access. What if something had happened to fans or the guest?"