SriLanka, Dec. 13 -- What was billed as a historic, celebratory moment during Lionel Messi's Kolkata stop on the GOAT Tour spiralled into chaos at the Vivekananda Yuvabharati Krirangan on Friday, with allegations of serious mismanagement overshadowing the Argentine legend's brief appearance.

Messi arrived at the Salt Lake Stadium on schedule, with his vehicle parked beside the field. However, moments after he stepped out, the scene descended into confusion as celebrities, former cricketers, organisers and unauthorised individuals crowded around him, breaching planned security protocols.

Despite repeated announcements by organiser Shatadru Dutta over the public address system urging those not part of Messi's official entourage to vacate ...