Lionel Messi India tour turns ugly in Kolkata; fans vandalise stadium after Messi's abrupt exit


Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi (centre), arrives at the Salt Lake Stadium, in Kolkata, India, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. -- AP Photo/Bikas Das

KOLKATA (AFP): Angry spectators broke down barricades and stormed the pitch at a stadium in India after football star Lionel Messi, who is on a three-day tour of the country, abruptly left the arena.

As a part of a so-called GOAT Tour, the 38-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami superstar touched down in the eastern state of West Bengal early Saturday, greeted by a chorus of exuberant fans chanting his name.

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