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Kolkata Erupts After Brief Messi Appearance as West Bengal Launches Inquiry

Police detained the event’s organizer after fans who paid steep ticket prices vandalized Salt Lake Stadium.

Overview

  • The Argentine star spent about 20 minutes at Salt Lake Stadium, circling the pitch to greet supporters before departing under heavy security, according to local reports.
  • Frustrated spectators ripped out seats, threw bottles, and invaded the field after struggling to see him, with several attendees saying they paid more than $100 for tickets.
  • West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologized to Messi and supporters and ordered an official investigation into organization and security failures.
  • Kolkata police placed the principal organizer in custody and said the probe includes potential ticket refunds and other event mismanagement issues.
  • Messi’s tour continues with scheduled stops in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, including meetings with Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.