Some Indian football fans who paid up to INR 20,000 to see global football icon Lionel Messi in Kolkata were left disappointed after failing to get a clear view of the star, Indian media reported.
According to *The Times of India*, nearly 50,000 spectators gathered at the Salt Lake Stadium for the event. Many fans reportedly paid between INR 4,000 and 12,000 for tickets, while some spent as much as INR 20,000 through the black market.
However, several fans expressed frustration as politicians, VVIPs, security personnel and officials crowded around Messi, preventing ordinary spectators from seeing him properly.
Tensions escalated when angry fans began throwing bottles inside the stadium, despite such items being banned at sports venues. Chairs were later pulled out and hurled, causing damage to fibreglass seating across sections of the ground. The synthetic track surrounding the field was also reportedly damaged.
Questions were raised over how prohibited items, including bottles and food packets, were allowed into the stadium despite security checks.
Following the chaotic scenes in Kolkata, Messi travelled to Hyderabad, where he met Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and presented him with a signed T-shirt.
Addressing fans in Hyderabad, Messi thanked supporters for the love he has received, saying he was grateful for the affection shown to him.
