Lionel Messi’s visit to a stadium in Calcutta, India, this Saturday (13), ended with the player’s early departure and confusion, with spectators denouncing fraud on the part of the event’s organizers, whose boss was detained by the police.
Traveling to the Asian giant until Monday (15), the 38-year-old player, idolized in India, was received this Saturday in style upon his arrival at the West Bengal stadium by excited fans who shouted his name and wore the Argentine national team shirt.
At the Salt Lake stadium in Calcutta, in the east of the country, expectations turned to frustration, with those present feeling deceived by the brevity of the event.
According to local media, the world champion walked around the field greeting the crowd and then immediately left the stadium, despite being scheduled to play an exhibition match.
Unsatisfied, some fans, many of whom had paid more than US$100 (R$540) for the event, ripped up seats and threw them on the lawn, as well as bottles of water. There were those who invaded the playing field.
“Seeing Messi was a dream. But I didn’t have the opportunity to see him due to the disorganization in the stadium”, lamented 37-year-old businessman Nabin Chatterjee to AFP.
“I came with my son to see Messi, not politicians,” fumed Ajay Shah, quoted by Indian news agency PTI. According to him, while he was unable to see the star, police and military personnel in charge of his security “took selfies” with the player.
Head of organization detained
Authorities point to the organization of the event. The head of government of the state of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, declared herself “shocked” by the poor organization.
“I extend my sincere apologies to Lionel Messi as well as all sports lovers and fans for the unfortunate incident,” Banerjee wrote on her X account, adding that she had launched an investigation.
A state police official, Javed Shamim, announced that “the head of the organization” had been arrested. He gave no further details, but added that authorities would look at how organizers could refund event tickets.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) published a statement to highlight that it did not participate in the “organisation, planning or execution of the private event”.
“Furthermore, the details of the event were not communicated to the AIFF nor was any permission sought from the federation,” he added.
Before his arrival at the Salt Lake stadium, an immense 21-meter statue of Messi lifting the World Cup was inaugurated in the city of Calcutta.
The captain of the Argentine national team, accompanied by his Inter Miami teammates Rodrigo de Paul and Luis Suárez, is expected to continue his tour in Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi.
Press reports point to a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his stay in the Indian capital.
Messi participates in this GOAT Tour after having won the North American league (MLS) for the first time with Inter Miami, last Saturday, and renewing his trophy for best player (MVP) in the competition.
“India is a football-loving nation and I look forward to meeting a new generation of fans while sharing the love I have for this beautiful sport,” Messi said in a statement ahead of his visit.
