ISLAMABAD: Football fans around the world voiced sharp criticism of the management of Lionel Messi’s tour in India, highlighting chaotic arrangements and the forward’s apparent discomfort during public appearances.
Fans reacted angrily on social media after video clips showed Messi being surrounded and hugged by a local Indian politician, leaving the superstar looking visibly uneasy.
Lionel Messi's tour, December 13-15, India kicked off chaotically as fans threw objects, ripped up seats and invaded the pitch at Kolkata's Salt Lake stadium.
According to Reuters, Satadru Dutta, the event's chief organizer, has been detained by police, said Rajeev Kumar, director general of West Bengal police.
Many fans around the world expressed disappointment, describing the event as poorly organized and “chaotic,” while the politician’s presence and interference overshadowed Messi’s engagement with the public.
In the event, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis honored Bollywood actors Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff during the ceremony, while Messi and Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul were seen standing to the side.
The incident has sparked a wider debate among international football communities about event organization and fan experience, saying the tour failed to deliver a proper fan experience despite high expectations.
Messi, however, was quoted by Al Jazeera as saying: “It was beautiful to receive all the love and support. I knew it was there, but to receive it first-hand was, well, amazing,” adding that he will “definitely be back.”
