(foto: Getty Images)
An event featuring Lionel Messi in India ended in chaos, with organisers accused of misleading advertising, fans feeling cheated and authorities ordering full refunds after arrests were made.
Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated appearance in India has ended in controversy, with event organisers detained and ordered to refund fans after scenes of chaos and accusations of misleading promotion.
According to local authorities, the organiser of the event held at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata has been arrested following widespread complaints from spectators who felt deceived by how the occasion was advertised.
Messi attended the event alongside Luis Suárez and Rodrigo de Paul, drawing tens of thousands of fans eager to see the Argentina captain in person. The programme included a short greeting, a brief address to the crowd and a symbolic exchange of passes with the regional prime minister.
However, what was meant to be a celebration of football quickly spiralled into disorder.
Large sections of the crowd were unable to see Messi at all, with the superstar surrounded by security personnel, politicians and invited guests on the pitch. Frustration soon turned into anger.
Supporters invaded the pitch, security was breached and parts of the stadium were damaged, forcing organisers to cut the event short.
Authorities said the main issue was misleading advertising, which allegedly gave the impression that Messi would play a football match, rather than simply make a ceremonial appearance.
In reality, Messi spent just 22 minutes on the pitch before leaving the stadium early due to growing safety concerns.
Indian officials described the event as “shameful and unworthy of the prices charged”, confirming that all ticket holders must be fully refunded.
Some fans had paid as much as $130 for tickets, believing they would witness the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner in action.
With tensions escalating and security risks mounting, Messi was escorted out of the venue and did not return, bringing a disappointing and chaotic end to what had been billed as a landmark football moment for the country.
The incident has sparked a wider debate in India about event regulation, celebrity appearances and fan protection, as authorities investigate how expectations were allowed to spiral so far out of control.