How a sobbing child at Salt Lake Stadium, after failing to see Lionel Messi, was blessed with an autographed jersey

How a sobbing child at Salt Lake Stadium after failing to see Lionel Messi got blessed with autographed jersey

Lionel Messi's visit to Kolkata on Saturday as part of his GOAT India Tour 2025 turned out to be a massive disaster. Thousands assembled at the Salt Lake Stadium were left disappointed after failing to catch a glimpse of the Argentine superstar despite splurging hefty sums for the tickets, which is reported to be in the range of Rs 4000-10000.

The problem arose after Messi was constantly encircled by a large group of politicians, dignitaries and security personnel, blocking the view of fans, who had to be content with the three giant screens placed at the venue.

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This left many frustrated, who then resorted to vandalism to display their rage. Amidst the chaos a sweet moment was shared between a former India international Mehtab Hossain and a child, who was left in tears with disappointment.

Mehtab was part of Diamond Harbour Messi All Stars, who played an exhibition match against Mohun Bagan Messi All Stars right before Messi arrived at the stadium. After entering the field, Messi also greeted the players from both sides and Mehtab was one of the lucky ones to get a signature of the World Cup winner on his jersey.

"The friendly match was great. After that, I shook hands with Messi. He signed my jersey," Mehtab told TimesofIndia.com.

Also Read | 'Got ticket for 12,000 but were not even able to see him': Fans in rage as Lionel Messi's Kolkata visit turns sour

However, Mehtab couldn't hold onto the prize possession for long as he encountered a sobbing child, who came running to him after failing to witness Messi. "After the chaos, one kid came running up to me. He was crying because he wasn’t able to see Messi at all. I felt bad. He was crying so much that I gave him my signed jersey. I told him, ‘Don’t cry, kid. Take this jersey with you,’" the former East Bengal midfielder was quoted as saying in the report.

Sharing his thoughts on the chaos, he said: "The influential people only wanted to take photos with Messi, but those who came after paying Rs 10,000, they were middle-class fans. They truly love Messi from the heart. The powerful people just wanted to take pictures to prove their status. Seeing that made people even angrier, because they didn’t come to take photos; they came just to catch a glimpse of Messi."