Lionel Messi’s India Tour Organizer Detained After Fan Unrest, Police Say

Chaos erupted at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday during Lionel Messi's India tour, with fans causing a disturbance after the Argentine star's fleeting appearance at a ticketed event. Attendees reportedly threw objects, tore up seats, and invaded the pitch.

Police have detained Satadru Dutta, the chief organizer of the event, according to Rajeev Kumar, director general of West Bengal police.

Messi's visit to the stadium was initially scheduled for 45 minutes, but he only appeared for 20. Tickets cost approximately 3,500 rupees (about $38.65), which is more than half the average weekly income in India. One fan reported paying $130 for a ticket.

Eyewitnesses described fans throwing ripped-up seats and other items onto the field. Several individuals also climbed the fence surrounding the pitch and threw objects.

"I can’t believe there was so much mismanagement," said Eddie Lal Hmangaihzuala, who traveled nearly 1,500 km from Mizoram to attend the event. "Messi left quickly, I think he felt unsafe. I hardly got a glimpse of him," he told Reuters.

Organizers have yet to comment on the incident.

"We’ve already detained the main organizer," Rajeev Kumar told reporters. "We’re taking action so that this mismanagement does not go unpunished."

Kumar added that the organizer has pledged to refund tickets sold for the event.

The tour is scheduled to continue with Messi making other appearances in India.