Dhaka, Dec. 13 -- Football icon Lionel Messi's much-hyped "GOAT Tour of India" began in Kolkata on Saturday but was marred by chaos and mismanagement at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan, forcing the event to be cut short amid fan unrest.

Messi virtually unveiled a 70-foot statue of himself earlier in the day, marking the start of his three-day India tour. The statue, installed by the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club at Lake Town, shows the Argentine great holding the FIFA World Cup trophy and is the first of its kind in India.

However, moments after Messi appeared at the Salt Lake Stadium, the situation spiralled out of control as angry fans protested over alleged mismanagement and lack of access. Visuals showed vandalism inside the stadium, while se...