Angry spectators have broken down barricades and stormed the pitch at a stadium in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata after football star Lionel Messi, who is on a three-day tour of the country, left the arena earlier than expected.

As part of a so-called GOAT (Greatest of All Time) Tour, the 38-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami superstar touched down in Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal state, early on Saturday, greeted by a chorus of fans chanting his name.

Hours later, thousands of fans wearing Messi jerseys and waving Argentina’s flag packed into Salt Lake Stadium in the state capital, but heavy security around the footballer left supporters struggling to catch a glimpse of him.

Messi walked around the pitch waving to fans and left the stadium earlier than expected.

Frustrated

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