Fans with posters of Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi lay on the ground as they vandalized the Salt Lake Stadium and claimed they vandalized the Salt Lake Stadium during the GOAT India Tour 2025 football tournament in Kolkata on Saturday. (NOT a photo) NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Saturday said it was concerned that Lionel Messi’s event in Kolkata was called off due to crowd control issues and security lapses.Around 50,000 spectators, many of whom paid between Rs 4,000 and Rs 12,000 – and in some cases as much as Rs 20,000 on the black market – were agitated as politicians, VVIPs, security personnel and others gathered around Messi. Many appeared to be focused on taking selfies while fans at Salt Lake Stadium struggled to get a view.
Fans throw objects, destroy stadium after Messi leaves early | Another Hyderabad
The All India Football Federation is deeply concerned about the events that took place at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan where thousands of fans gathered to see world football stars Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul.“It was a private event organized by a PR agency. AIFF had no involvement in the organization, planning or execution of this event,” AIFF said in a statement.Soon after arriving at the venue, Messi was surrounded by politicians, policemen, VIPs and their aides. The group created a human barrier so ticket holders could not see the footballer.The AIFF again clarified that it had no role in the action.“It was a private event organized by a PR agency. Moreover, the details of the event were not shared with the AIFF nor was any permission sought from the federation,” the AIFF said.Also read: How Kolkata’s wait for Lionel Messi descended into disarray“We urge all participants to extend their full cooperation with the relevant authorities and maintain order. The safety and security of all individuals involved must remain a top priority,” the federation added.The disorder began when angry fans threw bottles, which are banned in sports grounds. Questions were raised about how such items, including food parcels, were allowed into the stadium. Soon after, the chairs were pulled out and thrown.Fiberglass seats were found smashed across the field and synthetic track.The two shelters prepared for Messi and the chief minister’s paddock were torn apart. There were also attempts to set them on fire before the police intervened.Several gates were damaged, the roof of the players’ tunnel was hit and posters were torn down.
