Overview
- Messi’s walkaround in Kolkata was halted after reported bottle-throwing, and he was escorted to safety.
- Images and video showed fans storming the pitch, ripping out seats, and tearing down banners and signage.
- West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she was deeply distressed and announced an inquiry committee to identify those responsible.
- Some paying attendees complained they could not see Messi and accused VIPs of blocking access, grievances cited by local media.
- The three-day tour includes stops in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, with a more than 20-metre statue built in Kolkata, a ‘Hola Messi’ fan zone, and a reported plan for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.