The visit of Lionel Messi, captain of the American team Inter Miami, to India turned into a controversial event after riots broke out inside the “Salt Lake” stadium in Kolkata, where angry fans stormed the pitch and resorted to vandalism after the Argentine legend left the stadium early.
The Indian tour for Messi included several events, such as parties, training sessions for youth, and charity initiatives in various cities like Kolkata and Mumbai. However, his presence inside the stadium did not exceed 20 minutes, and he was largely isolated from the crowds due to the tight security cordon and the close proximity of his entourage.
Messi’s early departure angered fans who had spent huge sums on expensive tickets, leading them to throw bottles and attempt to break down gates between the stands, claiming the incident was a protest against the poor management of the event.
The chaos included attempts to climb fences and damage facilities, expressing the frustration of the crowds at not being able to see their favorite star up close, despite the high ticket prices.
It was confirmed that the tour’s stop in Kolkata witnessed a massive organizational failure, which sparked a wave of widespread criticism on social media.
In response, a statement was issued via the platform “X”, which said: “I offer my sincere apologies to Lionel Messi as well as to all sports lovers and his fans for the unfortunate incident, and I have decided to form an investigation committee chaired by retired judge Ashim Kumar Roy and with the membership of both the Chief Secretary and the Additional Chief Secretary for Home Affairs.”
It added: “The committee will conduct a detailed investigation into the incident to determine responsibilities and provide recommendations for taking necessary measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future.”
This visit comes at a time when the football legend has reached a new peak after Argentina’s World Cup victory and his record-breaking eighth Ballon d’Or win. Messi is expected to travel between four Indian cities within 72 hours, combining public meetings, football events, and high-level meetings.
The tour is scheduled to conclude in New Delhi with a meeting with the Prime Minister, bringing to a close a visit that has left Indian fans enthralled and full of excitement, despite the chaotic start.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is a world-renowned Argentine professional footballer widely considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. His career is defined by his extraordinary skill and goal-scoring record, most notably during his long tenure with FC Barcelona, where he won numerous championships and individual awards, including a record seven Ballon d’Or titles.
Inter Miami
Inter Miami is a professional soccer club based in Miami, Florida, founded in 2018 and co-owned by David Beckham. The club began play in Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2020, with its home matches held at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale while awaiting the completion of its permanent Miami Freedom Park stadium.
India
India is a South Asian country with one of the world’s oldest civilizations, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization around 2500 BCE. Its long history includes the rise of major empires, the spread of religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, and a period of British colonial rule before gaining independence in 1947. Today, it is a vast and diverse republic known for its rich cultural heritage, numerous languages, and varied traditions.
Salt Lake stadium
The Salt Lake Stadium, officially known as Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, is a multi-purpose stadium in Kolkata, India, and is one of the largest football stadiums in the world by seating capacity. It was inaugurated in 1984 and has since served as a major venue for football matches, including FIFA events, and cultural gatherings.
Kolkata
Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is the capital of India’s West Bengal state and was the capital of British India until 1911. Founded as a trading post by the British East India Company in 1690, it grew into a major colonial port and later became a pivotal center for the Indian Renaissance and nationalist movement. Today, it is renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage, colonial architecture, and as the home of iconic figures like Rabindranath Tagore.
Mumbai
Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is a major port city on India’s west coast that grew from a collection of seven islands into a global financial hub under British colonial rule. Its history is deeply tied to the East India Company, which gained control in the 17th century, and it later became a center for India’s independence movement. Today, it is known for the Bollywood film industry, the Gateway of India monument, and its vibrant, densely populated urban landscape.
X
X is a historic site known for its significant cultural heritage. It was originally constructed during [specific time period or dynasty] and served as [its primary function or importance]. Today, it stands as a major landmark and symbol of [relevant cultural or historical identity].
Ashim Kumar Roy
Ashim Kumar Roy is not a widely recognized place or cultural site in available historical or cultural records. It appears to be a personal name, likely of an individual, rather than a location or monument. Therefore, no summary about a place or its history can be provided.
Argentina
Argentina is a South American nation with a rich cultural heritage shaped by indigenous traditions, Spanish colonization, and later waves of European immigration. Its history includes declaring independence from Spain in 1816, followed by periods of economic prosperity, political instability, and the influential Peronist movement. The country is globally renowned for the tango, its passionate football culture, and the vast landscapes of the Pampas and Patagonia.
World Cup
The FIFA World Cup is an international football tournament first held in 1930 in Uruguay. Organized by FIFA, it is held every four years and has grown into one of the most widely viewed and followed sporting events in the world.
Ballon d’Or
The Ballon d’Or is an annual football award presented by France Football magazine, first awarded in 1956 to recognize the best male player in the world. Originally a European award, its criteria expanded in 1995 to include all players at European clubs, and globally in 2007, with a separate women’s award introduced in 2018.
New Delhi
New Delhi is the capital city of India, officially inaugurated in 1931 to serve as the new administrative center of British India, replacing Calcutta. It was designed by British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, featuring wide boulevards and grand government buildings like the Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate. Today, it remains the seat of the Indian government and a major political and cultural hub.
Prime Minister
The term “Prime Minister” refers to the head of government in many parliamentary systems, not a specific place or cultural site. The modern office has its origins in 18th-century Britain, evolving from the role of the monarch’s chief minister. Today, the title and its functions vary significantly between different nations and political frameworks.
