Messi Statue Event in Kolkata Hit by Fan Unrest
Lionel Messi’s statue unveiling in Kolkata on Saturday was overshadowed by crowd unrest after fans protested over poor visibility and event management. The Argentine football star remotely unveiled a towering statue of himself holding the FIFA World Cup trophy at the Sreebhumi Sporting Club, an event that attracted thousands of supporters and generated widespread attention across the city.
Brief Stadium Appearance Triggers Anger
Later in the day, Messi made a short appearance at Salt Lake Stadium, where ticketed spectators had gathered in large numbers expecting to see the footballer up close. However, Messi’s presence on the field lasted only a limited time, and many fans complained they were unable to see him clearly from their seats. Frustration quickly spilled over, with sections of the crowd throwing bottles and objects from the stands and shouting slogans in protest.
Security Intervention and Aftermath
Security officials intervened as the situation escalated and escorted Messi out of the venue to prevent further trouble. The programme was cut short, and authorities later acknowledged shortcomings in crowd control and planning. Organisers faced criticism for inadequate arrangements and failing to manage expectations for such a high-profile event.
The incident dampened what was intended to be a celebratory occasion and highlighted ongoing challenges in managing large-scale sporting events featuring global stars in India.
