• Fans vandalize Salt Lake Stadium, throwing objects after Messi's short appearance.
• West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologizes for mismanagement.
• Messi's 'GOAT Tour' includes attendance at events across multiple Indian cities.

Lionel Messi's highly anticipated tour of India started on a chaotic note as frustrated fans at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium reacted violently after being disappointed by the Argentine superstar's brief and heavily policed appearance. Despite paying up to 12,000 rupees (around $130), many fans claimed they were unable to see Messi at all, which triggered anger and unrest among the crowd, some of whom ripped out stadium seats and hurled them onto the field, according to Reuters and SCMP.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her deep concern regarding the incident, stating she was "deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement," and she subsequently ordered an inquiry into the events that transpired during the event. Banerjee apologized both to Messi and the fans, emphasizing the need to investigate and implement measures to prevent similar situations in the future, as reported by BBC and Channel News Asia.

Messi's tour, part of a promotional initiative branded as the "GOAT Tour," was intended to feature various events across India, including concerts and youth football clinics in cities like Hyderabad and Mumbai. The soccer icon had earlier unveiled a 70-foot statue of himself virtually during the event, which also failed to ease fans' frustrations about the logistical failures, according to Al Jazeera and SCMP.

As the situation escalated, many fans characterized their disappointment as stemming from a lack of access to Messi, highlighting that while the stadium was filled with dignitaries and officials, the common fan was left seeking a mere glance at their idol. Comments from ticket holders reflected deep discontent, with some claiming to have spent a significant portion of their monthly salaries for the chance to see Messi, much to their displeasure when faced with such barriers at the event, as noted by BBC and Al Jazeera.