Messi's India Tour Marred by Chaos and Fraud Allegations as Police Probe Event

The Indian leg of Lionel Messi's "GOAT" tour has been thrown into turmoil following a disastrous event in Kolkata, leading to police intervention, arrests, and promises of refunds for furious fans.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, making his first visit to India in 14 years, is scheduled for a three-day tour across Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, participating in concerts, youth clinics, and charity functions.

However, the opening event at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium sparked outrage. Tickets for the event started at approximately 3,500 rupees—a significant sum exceeding half the average weekly wage in India—with fans expecting a substantial appearance from Messi and his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul.

Instead, attendees reported a brief, largely obscured 10–20 minute appearance by the football icon. Messi was quickly surrounded by local dignitaries and security, preventing clear views for most ticket-holders, before being escorted away early. He did not participate in any promised football activities.

The disappointment boiled over, with hundreds of fans storming the pitch, damaging stadium seats, and clashing with police.

"This was an absolute disaster. He was here for maybe 10 minutes," one attendee told ANI. "Officials and their families blocked the view completely. There was no interaction, no penalty kick—nothing that was implied. They promised appearances by celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan which never materialized. Our money, time, and passion were utterly wasted."

Another fan called the event a "complete fraud." "Kolkata lives for football. We adore Messi and Argentina, but this was a shameful day. While VIPs enjoyed the access, ordinary fans saw nothing. We are deeply upset and demand our money back," he stated.

In response to the public fury, West Bengal's Director General of Police, Rajeev Kumar, announced an immediate investigation. "The primary organizer has been detained for questioning," Kumar confirmed. "A probe is underway, and we are committed to ensuring accountability. The organizers have provided written assurances that refunds will be issued to disappointed fans."

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose later confirmed the organizer's arrest.

The tour is set to continue, with Messi scheduled for an event at Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. He will then travel to Mumbai for a celebrity padel tournament and football match on December 14, followed by engagements in New Delhi on December 15, where several prominent Indian cricketers are expected to attend.