Indian fans storm pitch after Lionel Messi leaves Kolkata stadium early

Indian spectators broke barricades and entered the field at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium after footballer Lionel Messi left the venue earlier than expected amid security concerns on Saturday.

Messi, who is visiting India as part of a three-day tour, arrived in West Bengal earlier in the day and was welcomed by large crowds chanting his name. At the stadium, he walked around the pitch and waved to spectators before leaving ahead of schedule.

Many fans expressed anger after his departure, particularly those who had paid high ticket prices. Some spectators damaged seats, threw water bottles onto the track, and vandalised banners and tents inside the stadium.

A number of people also ran onto the pitch before security personnel stepped in.

Indian media reported that earlier, Messi had been escorted out of the airport through an alternate route due to the heavy crowd gathered to see him.

Messi is set to visit Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi during his tour. He had previously visited Kolkata in 2011. This time, a large statue was installed in the city to mark his visit and was unveiled during a ceremony attended by the footballer.