Fans vandalise Indian stadium after Messi’s abrupt exit

Messi

Angry spectators broke down barricades and stormed the pitch at a stadium in India after football star Lionel Messi, who is on a three-day tour of the country, abruptly left the arena.

As part of the so-called GOAT Tour, the 38-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami superstar touched down in the eastern state of West Bengal early Saturday, greeted by a chorus of exuberant fans chanting his name.

Hours later, thousands of fans wearing Messi jerseys and waving the Argentine flag packed Salt Lake Stadium in the state capital, Kolkata, but heavy security around the footballer left many struggling to catch a glimpse of him.

Messi walked around the pitch, waved to fans and left the stadium earlier than expected.

Frustrated supporters, many of whom had paid more than $100 for tickets, ripped out stadium seats and hurled water bottles onto the track.

Others stormed the pitch and vandalised banners and tents.

“For me, to watch Messi is a pleasure, a dream. But I have missed the chance to have a glimpse because of the mismanagement in the stadium,” businessman Nabin Chatterjee, 37, told AFP. Punch