Angry fans vandalise India stadium after Messi’s early departure

Al JazeeraSunday, December 14, 2025 at 1:06:08 PM
  • Lionel Messi's promotional tour in India began with significant unrest in Kolkata, where fans vandalized the stadium and threw objects in response to his early departure after a brief 20-minute appearance. This chaos included ripping up seats and invading the pitch, leading to a tumultuous atmosphere at the Salt Lake Stadium.
  • The incident highlights the intense passion and expectations of Messi's fans, who paid up to $150 for the event. The backlash reflects their frustration over the short duration of his appearance, which did not meet their expectations for a star of his caliber.
  • This event underscores broader themes of fan engagement and celebrity culture, particularly in sports. The violent reactions of fans reveal a growing discontent regarding the commercialization of sports events, where high ticket prices do not guarantee meaningful interactions with stars, raising questions about the responsibilities of athletes and organizers in managing fan expectations.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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