Indian supporters of Lionel Messi voiced strong disappointment, condemning the poorly organized event, accusing organizers of misleading fans, and saying the experience felt chaotic, unfair, and ultimately like a scam.
Fans of Lionel Messi in India expressed deep dissatisfaction & criticized the event’s mismanagement
What was promoted as the grandest sports spectacle of the year, featuring one of football’s greatest legends, Lionel Messi, turned into a deeply disappointing experience for fans in Kolkata. The city, known for its passionate football culture, was buzzing with excitement as supporters eagerly awaited a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Argentine superstar up close.
Anticipation reached its peak when Messi arrived in the city, with thousands of fans gathering at the venue in hopes of witnessing their idol in person. However, what followed was far from the dream they had imagined. Instead of a well-coordinated celebration of football, the event quickly spiraled into confusion and disorder, leaving fans angry, frustrated, and heartbroken.
Poor planning and ineffective crowd control dominated the proceedings. Fans who had paid hefty sums for tickets found themselves pushed aside, unable to even catch a glimpse of Messi. The situation worsened as ministers, politicians, and VIPs surrounded the football icon, occupying prime positions and effectively blocking the view for the general public. Many attendees felt sidelined, believing that their passion for football was ignored in favor of political prominence.
Adding to the frustration was the absence of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, whose planned appearance had been widely publicized. His no-show only fueled the anger among fans, who felt misled by the event’s promises. Several supporters openly criticized the organizers and authorities, calling the entire experience misleading and poorly managed.
Fans voiced their disappointment in strong terms, describing the event as chaotic and unfair. Many pointed out that ticket prices started at ₹5,000, yet those who paid were denied basic access, while VIPs dominated Messi’s limited time at the venue. One fan described the day as a “black day for Kolkata,” emphasizing that a city famous for its love of football deserved better treatment. Others expressed emotional distress, saying they felt cheated after investing money, time, and hope into the event.
The disappointment deepened when Messi’s appearance lasted only a few minutes. Fans had hoped to see him interact with the crowd, perform a few tricks, or at least take a kick of the ball. Instead, he was reportedly present for barely ten minutes, surrounded by officials, before leaving without any meaningful engagement. For many, this brief and distant appearance was the final blow.
As tempers flared, chaos erupted inside the stadium. Enraged fans took matters into their own hands, vandalizing parts of the venue in protest. The unrest highlighted the depth of frustration among supporters who felt their voices were ignored throughout the event.
The fallout soon took on a political dimension. BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar accused the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government of mismanagement and corruption. He alleged that TMC ministers were directly involved in organizing the event, selling tickets at inflated prices, and prioritizing VIP access over the interests of genuine football fans. According to him, the incident reflected broader issues in governance and transparency within the state.
The chaotic event has left a significant stain on the reputation of sports event management in the region. For a city that prides itself on its football heritage, the disappointment was particularly painful. Fans who came with excitement and admiration for Messi left feeling betrayed and disillusioned.
As Lionel Messi is expected to visit other cities in India, the Kolkata episode serves as a cautionary tale. It raises serious questions about planning, crowd management, fairness, and accountability. For Indian football fans, the hope remains that future events will be handled with greater respect for the supporters whose passion truly gives the sport its life.
