The highly anticipated sports event featuring football superstar Lionel Messi in Kolkata did not go as planned. Fans flocked to see the football icon, but their excitement quickly turned into disappointment and frustration.
Upon Messi’s arrival, the atmosphere was electric, with fans eager to catch a glimpse of him. However, the situation spiraled into chaos as many were unable to see the star due to the overwhelming presence of politicians and celebrities. The absence of Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, who was expected to attend, further fueled the disappointment among attendees.
Frustrated fans expressed their dissatisfaction with the event management. One supporter commented, “The management was terrible. We wanted to see Messi, but it felt like a scam. We want our money back.” Many attendees felt that the presence of VIPs monopolized Messi’s time, preventing ordinary fans from enjoying the experience.
Ticket prices started at 5,000 rupees, yet many believed they were cheated out of their money. Another fan lamented the short duration of Messi’s appearance, stating, “He came for just 10 minutes. There was no interaction, no kicks taken. It was a waste of time and money.” This sentiment was echoed by several others, who voiced their frustrations at the disorganization and lack of access.
In the wake of the chaos, some fans resorted to vandalizing parts of the stadium to express their anger. BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar criticized the ruling TMC government for its alleged corruption and mismanagement of the event. “What happened here shows the issues in Bengal. The TMC hijacked the event, sold tickets at exorbitant prices, and engaged in corruption,” he claimed.
The incident has raised significant concerns regarding the organization of large-scale events in the region, especially with Messi scheduled to visit several more cities as part of his tour. The outcry from fans highlights a major gap in event planning and on-the-ground management, calling into question the ability to successfully host high-profile sports events in the future.