India, Dec. 13 -- A section of the crowd at the Yubha Bharati Krirangan Stadium in Kolkata's Salt Lake lost their cool and hurled bottles and chairs on the pitch after failing to get a proper glimpse of Lionel Messi during the legendary Argentine footballer's GOAT India Tour's first leg on Saturday morning. Messi, who landed in Kolkata at 2:26 am started the day by virtually unveiling his 70-feet-tall statue in the city, entered the Salt Lake Stadium around 11:30 am and was immediately flocked by political leaders, former footballers, coaches and other members of the organising committee, leaving very little opportunity for the packed crowd in the stands to catch a glimpse of their icon.

Messi, who was all smiles during his brief stay in...