NW DELHI: Lionel Messi ’s much-anticipated stop in Kolkata during the G.O.A.T. Tour of India 2025 descended into disorder on Saturday, as poor crowd management and security lapses overshadowed what was meant to be a landmark event for Indian football fans. Thousands packed the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) hoping to see the Argentine great, only to leave frustrated and disappointed. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Messi’s appearance at the stadium was fleeting. Surrounded by a dense security ring and a large entourage, the World Cup winner was unable to complete his planned lap of honour as the crowd surged uncontrollably. What was scheduled to be a nearly two-hour programme — including interactions with prominent

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