India, Dec. 13 -- Celebrations around Lionel Messi's visit to Kolkata descended into chaos on Friday as Salt Lake Stadium briefly turned into a battleground, with angry spectators throwing bottles and objects after failing to get a clear view of the football icon.

The unrest forced Messi, who returned to the city 14 years after his first visit, to leave the venue earlier than scheduled, cutting short what was meant to be the highlight of his GOAT Tour appearance in Kolkata.

Eyewitnesses said tensions escalated as large sections of the crowd grew restless over visibility and crowd management issues, leading to disorder in parts of the stands. Security personnel rushed in to control the situation as chants gave way to scuffles and project...