India, Dec. 14 -- Lionel Messi's much-hyped tour of India got off to an embarrassing start in Kolkata on Saturday, as chaos erupted at the Salt Lake Stadium with angry fans, who had paid exorbitant prices for tickets, hurling bottles and attempting to vandalise the venue after failing to get even a glimpse of the superstar. From the moment Messi entered the Yuva Bharati Krirangan, he was closely surrounded by officials and ministers, reigniting questions over mismanagement at the event. The criticism intensified after a video of TMC minister Arup Biswas allegedly pressurising Messi into posing for a photograph went viral on social media.

In a clip circulating on X, formerly known as Twitter, Messi is seen walking on the Salt Lake Stadium...