Chaos at Salt Lake Stadium as Fans Protest Limited View of Messi

Chaos broke out at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday after thousands of spectators, who had paid premium prices to watch Argentine football legend Lionel Messi, protested over being unable to get a clear view of the star. Messi arrived at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan around 11.30 am along with Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, briefly stepping onto the field and waving at the crowd. However, his movement remained tightly restricted by organisers, VIPs and heavy security, leaving fans in the galleries unable to see him properly, either directly or on the giant screens.

Frustration grew as chants of “We want Messi” echoed across the stands, with many fans claiming they had been waiting since morning for a closer glimpse. Tensions peaked when Messi was escorted out of the stadium within minutes, even before several invited dignitaries had arrived. The early exit triggered anger among spectators, who felt short-changed by the brief appearance of the global icon.

As tempers flared, some disappointed supporters hurled bottles onto the field and damaged banners, hoardings and plastic chairs in the galleries. Eyewitnesses said attempts were also made to break gallery barricades and rush onto the pitch, forcing police to intervene. While additional security and Messi’s early departure prevented the situation from escalating further, the unrest overshadowed the high-profile event intended to celebrate one of football’s greatest players.

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