Chaos at Salt Lake Stadium as fans protest after missing glimpse of Messi

A packed stadium erupted in chants of his name as Messi received a rousing welcome. Smiling and waving as he walked across the turf, the Argentine great soaked in the adulation and was presented with a special Mohun Bagan jersey bearing his name and the iconic No. 10, marking a historic reception.Messi’s private Gulfstream V aircraft touched down at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport at 2.26 am, setting off a frenzy among supporters who had gathered in large numbers at the international arrivals terminal. Chants of “Messi, Messi”, fluttering Argentina flags and flashing mobile phones turned the airport into a carnival-like scene.However, heavy security arrangements meant the Barcelona legend was whisked out through a VIP exit and driven straight to his hotel around 3.30 am, leaving hundreds of waiting fans disappointed. Only a handful of airport staff reportedly saw Messi briefly as he stepped off the aircraft, dressed in a black suit over a white T-shirt.Messi arrived in Kolkata along with Suárez and De Paul and was escorted by a large police convoy to a five-star hotel, where another crowd had gathered deep into the night. The hotel lobby echoed with chants as fans wearing sky-blue jerseys, scarves and wigs in Argentina’s colours waited anxiously, some even booking rooms to stay as close to the football icon as possible.Security was tightened across the city, with barricades, police deployment at key crossings and heightened surveillance around the hotel. The entire seventh floor, where Messi checked into a suite, was sealed off.Despite the disappointment of not seeing him up close, emotions ran high. Children sat on shoulders, drums rolled and fans waved flags, many calling the moment a once-in-a-lifetime experience.Satadru Dutta, promoter of the GOAT India Tour who received Messi at the airport, said the visit was historic for Kolkata. “He had come here in 2011 as Argentina captain. This time, he’s here after winning the World Cup and his eighth Ballon d’Or. This is special — a celebration,” he said, adding that Messi’s visit could give Indian football a significant boost.Messi’s Kolkata itinerary includes a sponsors’ meet-and-greet and a tribute programme at the Salt Lake Stadium. The event will feature music, dance and an exhibition match between Mohun Bagan ‘Messi’ All Stars and Diamond Harbour ‘Messi’ All Stars. He is also scheduled to interact with young footballers, felicitate Bengal’s Santosh Trophy-winning team and take a lap of honour.



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