Kolkata (FNO): Lionel Messi’s long-awaited return to India after 14 years began on a troubled note, with scenes of disorder and mismanagement overshadowing the opening leg of the much-publicised ‘GOAT Tour’, organised to celebrate the Argentine legend’s iconic career.

Messi arrived in Kolkata at around 2:30 a.m. and was escorted straight to his hotel. Despite the early hour, the football superstar began his day with a closed-door sponsor interaction. He later virtually inaugurated a 70-foot-tall statue erected in his honour before heading to the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) Stadium in Salt Lake shortly before 11 a.m.

However, his visit to the stadium was abruptly cut short amid poor crowd control and coordination. Fans were unable to catch a clear glimpse of the World Cup-winning captain, who remained surrounded by dignitaries and political figures throughout his brief appearance. As frustration mounted in the stands, the situation spiralled into chaos.

Several disgruntled spectators, many of whom had paid thousands of rupees for tickets, were left visibly disappointed. Chairs and bottles were reportedly thrown from the stands, leading to damage to parts of the stadium and prompting security concerns.

Following the incident, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued a public apology to Lionel Messi and his fans in 

Kolkata, expressing regret over the disorder that marred the event.

Later in the day, Messi departed for Hyderabad, where the next leg of the tour — the ‘GOAT Concert’ — is scheduled to take place at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, with authorities expected to tighten security and management arrangements.