Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated GOAT Tour arrived in Hyderabad, with the football icon gracing the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal on Saturday. This visit followed a controversial first stop in Kolkata, where fans expressed outrage over Messi’s brief appearance and exorbitant ticket prices at the Salt Lake Stadium.
Upon landing in the Telangana capital earlier that afternoon, Messi was seen engaging with fans, playfully kicking a ball to children, and interacting with officials. He also had notable meetings with prominent political figures, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.
At the Uppal Stadium, Messi observed a match from a VIP box, offering a wave to the camera and appearing on the stadium’s big screen. Organizers appeared keen to present a smooth event, contrasting with the turmoil experienced in Kolkata.
Reports emerged that a key organizer of the GOAT Tour had been arrested by Kolkata police in connection with alleged mismanagement at the Salt Lake Stadium event. The arrest followed a chaotic scene where fans, upset by high ticket costs and limited access to Messi, caused vandalism and disorder.
Authorities confirmed that a comprehensive investigation into the mismanagement leading to the chaos would be conducted. The police vowed to hold accountable all individuals responsible for the disorder.
In Kolkata, the situation escalated with agitated spectators resorting to vandalism. Police intervention, including lathi charges and the deployment of the Rapid Action Force, was necessary to restore order. Messi departed the venue earlier than planned due to the unrest.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, en route to the stadium at the time, diverted her course upon learning of the disturbances. She subsequently announced the formation of a judicial committee, led by Justice (Retd.) Ashim Kumar Ray, to investigate the mismanagement and propose preventative measures. The committee also includes Chief Secretary Manoj Pant and Additional Secretary Nandini Chakraborty. The Chief Minister extended her apologies to all sports enthusiasts affected by the incident.