NEW DELHI: What was meant to be a once-in-a-lifetime celebration for football lovers in Kolkata turned into heartbreak and anger, as Lionel Messi’s much-awaited appearance at Salt Lake Stadium ended abruptly, leaving thousands of fans disappointed. Among them was a fan who made an extraordinary personal sacrifice, skipping his own wedding, to catch a glimpse of the Argentine legend.
“Today is the 13th, and everyone knows that Messi was supposed to come to Kolkata. It’s my wedding today. Mera shaadi chhod ke aaya (I left my wedding and came here); but even then, our expectations were not fulfilled. His presence did feel good, I liked it; just his presence means a lot to me. But seeing him only from such a distance was not what we had expected,” the fan said, summing up the emotions of many inside the packed stadium.What began as celebrations during Messi’s Kolkata leg of the GOAT Tour quickly spiralled into chaos when the football icon was forced to leave the venue much earlier than planned due to crowd management and security issues. As news of his early exit spread, frustration erupted across the stands. Angry spectators began throwing water bottles and chairs, while some entered the ground and attempted to vandalise tents and the goalpost.“Seeing the utter chaos, the management, the authorities, it was absolutely rubbish. All the people you see here love football. We all wanted to see Messi, but it was a total scam. We want our money back… The management was so bad. It is a black day for Kolkata,” an aggrieved fan said, adding that politicians and dignitaries blocked the view for ordinary supporters.Another supporter echoed similar sentiments: “Absolutely terrible event. He came for just 10 minutes. All the leaders and ministers surrounded him. We couldn’t see anything. So much money, emotions, and time wasted.”Fans repeatedly pointed to the high ticket prices and lack of access. “Only leaders and actors were surrounding Messi… Why did they call us then? We have got a ticket for 12 thousand, but we were not even able to see his face,” one fan said, while another demanded refunds, calling the experience “shameful”.Earlier in the day, Messi had virtually inaugurated a 70-foot statue of himself at Lake Town, depicting him holding the FIFA World Cup trophy, an event that had heightened anticipation. But for many fans, including one who left his wedding behind, the day ended with unfulfilled expectations and lingering disappointment rather than cherished memories.
