Lionel Messi (38) is on a tour of India with two teammates. But the superstar’s visit doesn’t go according to plan.
The most important thing in brief
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A visit by Lionel Messi (38) to India ends in chaos.
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Angry fans cause riots in the Calcutta stadium.
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The Prime Minister apologizes via social media.
Lionel Messi is causing a state of emergency in India – and not in a positive sense. A visit from the Argentinian football star turns out to be a complete disaster.
The 38-year-old is currently touring the country with his two teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul. Background: A 21 meter high statue of Messi was erected and inaugurated in the city of Calcutta.
The exceptional talent presents himself to the fans in the Salt Lake Stadium. However, the action goes anything as planned – and is overshadowed by riots.
Chairs and bottles fly
According to the Times of India, people on site threw chairs and bottles around. The event ends in great chaos.
Reason for the fans’ displeasure: Apparently they hardly got to see their idol. Neither up close nor on a screen. And this despite the fact that they paid a lot of money for a ticket.
On X, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologizes for the chaotic scenes. The head of the organization has been arrested and the events are being investigated, it is said.
Lionel Messi’s stadium tour continues until Monday.
