What was intended to be a once-in-a-lifetime celebration for Indian football enthusiasts turned into chaos on Friday as Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated appearance at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium ended in disorder and disappointment. Messi’s lap of honour was abruptly halted due to serious crowd management issues that arose within the stadium. A security breach compelled officials to reinforce the protective barrier around the World Cup champion, leaving him encircled by a dense wall of guards and a large entourage. While this measure was designed to ensure safety, it also meant that thousands of fans in the stands barely caught a glimpse of the football icon they had eagerly awaited for hours.

That frustration quickly boiled over. Boos echoed throughout the stadium, aimed at the official

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