The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Saturday expressed concerns after the much-anticipated Lionel Messi event in Kolkata was marred by chaos due to poor crowd management and security lapses.
About 50,000 spectators, many of whom had paid Rs 4,000 to Rs 12,000 and in some cases up to Rs 20,000 in the black market -- watched helplessly as a swarm of politicians, VVIPs, security personnel and assorted hangers more interested in selfies than crowd control surrounded Messi, leaving the fans at the Salt Lake Stadium angry.
"The All India Football Federation is deeply concerned by the events that transpired at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, where thousands of fans gathered to witness world football stars Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul. This was a private event organised by a PR agency. The AIFF was not involved in the organisation, planning or execution of this event in any capacity," the AIFF said in a statement.
It said the details of the event were neither communicated to the AIFF nor was any clearance sought from the federation. We urge all attendees to extend their full cooperation with the relevant authorities and to maintain order. The safety and security of all individuals involved must remain the paramount priority," the AIFF said.
Messi plays exhibition match in Hyderabad
Meanwhile, Argentine football icon Lionel Messi arrived in Hyderabad for the second leg of his GOAT India Tour 2025 on Saturday evening. The evening in the City of Nizams began with an exhibition match at 7.50 pm in which Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy also played. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi was also present. Apart from Messi, the match featured his Inter Miami teammates Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suarez.
Also read: Messi event: Mamata apologises for chaos, organiser arrested
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