West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar opened up on the factors that led to the chaos at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday as things spiralled out of control with fans throwing projectiles in a show of their frustrations
during Argentine World Cup-winner Lionel Messi’s GOAT India Tour.
Security breaches forced the genius from Rosario to halt the lap of honour midway as fans expressed their frustrations by removing the chairs at the stadium and tossing various projectiles in a show of their discontent with the organisation of the legend’s visit.
“There was some kind of anger or anxiety in the fans saying that he’s not playing. The plan was that he would come here, wave, meet certain people and leave,” Kumar said.
“Now the government has already constituted a committee that will look into all aspects, including whether there was any mismanagement on the organiser’s side or anything else,” he continued.
“The organiser is giving in writing to those who are concerned that the tickets which have been sold should be refunded. Now the situation is under control. We have already detained the organiser,” the DGP added.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee issued an apology following the mismanagement during Messi’s honour lap around Salt Lake Stadium, which had to be cut short due to a frustrated crowd throwing projectiles after being denied a clear view of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Earlier in the day, Messi unveiled a 70-foot statue of himself at the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town during the first leg of his G.O.A.T. Tour India 2025 in Kolkata on Saturday.
Messi arrived in Kolkata early Saturday morning, and the city responded enthusiastically. Thousands of fans gathered at hotels, streets, and landmarks, hoping to catch a glimpse of the man they have admired from afar for years.
This visit marks Messi’s first trip to India since 2011, when he played at the Salt Lake Stadium, helping Argentina edge Venezuela 1-0 in a friendly.
Messi, accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, virtually unveiled the statue from the Hyatt Regency in Kolkata, as fans across the city celebrated the moment with unmistakable fervour.
Installed by the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club at Lake Town in South Dum Dum, the colossal iron structure depicts Messi holding the FIFA World Cup trophy — a nod to his crowning moment with Argentina in Qatar.
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