The organiser of Lionel Messi's tour of India has been arrested and an investigation has been launched by local police after the Argentine's appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata descended into chaos.
Messi is currently in India as part of a three-day “GOAT" tour.
Here, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is scheduled to attend numerous concerts, youth football clinics and charitable initiatives at events in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi.
Kolkata was the first stop on the tour, where he attended a meet-and-greet session and virtually unveiled a 70-foot Lionel Messi statue that has been installed at the Sreebhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town.
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The 38-year-old, who is visiting India for the first time in 14 years, also made an appearance at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata alongside Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul.
For a brief period, Messi could be seen waving to fans who paid a hefty price for tickets, but their view of the Argentine was blocked by a large group of people for the most part. He was also whisked away early by security.
In total, Messi made a 20-minute appearance at Saturday's ticketed event, which was priced from around 3,500 rupees ($38.65) – more than half of the average weekly income in India.
Hundreds of disappointed fans proceeded to invade the pitch, ripping up seats and vandalising the stands as police attempted to de-escalate the chaotic scenes.
“Absolutely terrible event. He came for just 10 minutes," one fan told ANI, as per The Economic Times. "All the leaders and ministers surrounded him. We couldn't see anything. He didn't take a single kick or a single penalty.
"They said they would bring Shah Rukh Khan too," the fan added. "They didn't bring anyone. He came for 10 minutes and left. So much money, emotions, and time wasted. We couldn't see anything."
Another man who attended the event said: "All the people you see here love football. We all wanted to see Messi, but it was a total scam. We want our money back. The management was so bad. It is a black day for Kolkata."
"Kolkata is known for football, and we love football, we love Argentina, but this experience is absolutely a scam," he added. "The ministers were there with their children, and the other people could not see anything. We are very hurt."
Organiser of Lionel Messi’s tour of India has been detained
After the event, West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar confirmed that the main organiser of the event had been detained for questioning following widespread outrage from fans.
“The main organiser has been detained," Kumar said, as per India Today. "An investigation has started, and we will ensure that whoever is responsible will be held accountable."
He added: “Many fans believed they would see Messi play. The situation is under control now. The organisers have said that refunds will be provided, and they are giving this assurance in writing."
Kumar also said that the organisers had provided assurances that refunds would be issued to ticket holders who were left disappointed.
It was later confirmed by the West Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose that Dutta was arrested. "The organiser has been arrested, and an investigation has been done," he said.
Hyderabad will also host Messi on Saturday at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
He will then visit Mumbai on December 14 for the Padel GOAT Cup at Brabourne Stadium, which will be followed by a celebrity football match featuring leading Bollywood actors.
Finally, Messi will travel to New Delhi on December 15 for events at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. A number of Indian cricketers will be in attendance, according to organisers.
Topics: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami, Argentina, Luis Suarez
Jack Kenmare