‘We want Messi’: Chaos at Salt Lake Stadium as fans protest brief glimpse of football star

Angry scenes unfolded at Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday, December 13, after fans who had paid premium prices to see Lionel Messi protested what they called a token and tightly controlled appearance by the global football star.

 

The focus of the unrest was the brief on-field presence of Messi, who arrived at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan around 11.30 am along with Luis Suárez and Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul. Messi was the first to step onto the pitch, acknowledging the crowd with a short walk and a wave.

 

For most spectators, that moment was also the last. Fans alleged that Messi remained encircled by security personnel, organisers and VIPs, making him nearly invisible from large sections of the galleries. Many also complained that the stadium’s big screens did not offer a clear or consistent view, despite hours of waiting.

 

As expectations turned into anger, chants of “We want Messi” spread across the stands. The situation worsened when Messi was escorted out of the stadium within minutes, even before several invited guests had reached the venue.

 

Protests escalated soon after. Bottles were thrown onto the field, while banners, hoardings and plastic seating were damaged in multiple sections of the stadium. Eyewitnesses said some spectators attempted to break through barricades and enter the playing area, forcing police to step in.

 

Authorities managed to prevent the situation from spiralling further by deploying additional security and clearing Messi from the venue earlier than planned. However, the disorder overshadowed the high-profile event, raising serious questions about crowd management and planning at a programme meant to celebrate one of football’s most influential figures.