Messi’s tour of India begins with fans throwing bottles, stadium vandalised

Lionel Messi’s much-hyped tour of India got off to a rocky start on Saturday with angry fans throwing bottles and attempting to vandalise a stadium after many of them failed to get more than just a glimpse of their hero.

The Times of India reported that many ticket holders said they failed to see Messi at all – either in person or on the stadium’s big screens – despite waiting for hours.

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Fans threw objects, ripped up seats and invaded the pitch after Messi’s scheduled 45-minute visit lasted just 20 minutes. Tickets for the event were priced from about 3,500 rupees ($38.65) – more than half of the average weekly income in India – but one fan said he had paid $130.

Satadru Dutta, the event’s chief organiser, has been arrested, said Rajeev Kumar, director general of West Bengal police.

“We’ve already detained the main organiser,” Rajeev Kumar told reporters. “We’re taking action so that this mismanagement does not go unpunished.

“He has already pledged in writing that tickets sold for the event should be refunded,” he added.

The organisers of the tour did not immediately respond to a request for a comment.

Police officials speak to spectators as they throw debris onto the field at Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) stadium during the Lionel Messi GOAT tour [Ayush Kumar/Getty Images]

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologised to the Argentinian football star for the “mismanagement” of the event.

“I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium,” Banerjee wrote on social media, where she also apologised to fans who had expected more after paying for tickets.

Banerjee said a committee would be constituted to “conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future”.

Messi’s three-day “GOAT (Greatest of All Time) India Tour” was to bring the World Cup winner from Kolkata to Hyderabad and then Mumbai before concluding in New Delhi on Monday.

He was joined by longtime teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul.

Earlier on Saturday, Messi remotely “unveiled” a 21-metre (70ft) statue of himself in Kolkata.

A fan hits a sound system with a pole during the Lionel Messi G.O.A.T Tour
A fan hits a sound system with a pole during the Lionel Messi GOAT tour [Ayush Kumar/Getty Images]

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter once described India as a “sleeping giant” in the football arena, but the sport in the country has run into many problems in recent years.

The Indian Super League (ISL) – India’s top football competition – has been in danger of collapse over a dispute between the federation and its commercial partner.

ISL side Bengaluru FC stopped paying the salaries of its first team’s players and staff as a result of the turmoil.

In a statement in August, the 2018-19 ISL champions said they had taken the decision “in view of the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Indian Super League season”.

Messi and his Argentina teammates will be defending their FIFA World Cup crown at the 2026 edition, which will be staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer.

A 70-foot statue of international footballer Lionel Messi of Argentina was built in Lake Town for the Lionel Messi G.O.A.T Tour
A 21-metre (70ft) statue of international footballer Lionel Messi of Argentina was built in Lake Town for the Lionel Messi GOAT tour [Ayush Kumar/Getty Images]

England cruise to Pro League win against Germany

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England’s men secured a convincing 4-1 win against Germany in the FIH Pro League in Dublin.

James Gall opened the scoring for England when he turned in a Thomas Sorsby cross just after half-time.

England, who had been beaten 4-1 by Germany in their opening game on Wednesday before a shootout win against Belgium on Thursday, controlled proceedings as they held their opponents at bay.

They extended their lead when Henry Croft controlled a Ben Fox cross and powered home a fierce shot, before Sam Hooper drove a low effort into the net from a penalty corner.

Nick Bandurak added England’s fourth when he collected a Zachary Wallace pass with his back to goal before turning and chipping the Germany keeper.

Germany, who have lost three of their four games of the campaign in Dublin, managed a late consolation goal through Benedikt Schwarzhaupt’s powerful shot.

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EastEnders’ Natalie Cassidy admits ‘people keep asking’ as she shares baby news

Natalie Cassidy opened up about her home life and whether she plans to have more children or get married to partner Marc Humphreys.

Natalie Cassidy has addressed ongoing speculation about whether she plans to have another child, admitting that the questions have followed her for years.

In a new interview with Candis magazine, the EastEnders star revealed that while people often ask if she might have a “late baby,” that isn’t on her agenda for now.

“People keep asking,” said Natalie. “Probably because mum had me late. But I’ve got two healthy girls, and, to be honest, I’m looking forward to when Marc and I can have some time on our own—the honeymoon period we’ve never had.”

Natalie, best known for her role as Sonia Fowler on the BBC soap, is a mother to two daughters. Eliza, 15, is from her relationship with transport manager Adam Cottrell, while her youngest, Joanie, 9, is with her partner Marc Humphreys.

When asked about family life, Natalie spoke candidly about balancing motherhood with her long-running career in the public eye.

She joked about Eliza’s teenage years: “No, we went through that when she was 12 and 13. Horrendous. But she’s come out the other side. I think she’s quite proud of me now.”

Meanwhile, Joanie isn’t a fan of having a famous mum. “If we’re out and someone recognises me, she gets a bit grumpy. But it’s part of the job. I’ve never understood actors being rude to the public.”

Natalie has been engaged to cameraman Marc Humphreys since 2014 and credits him with helping her feel grounded and happy: “We’re friends and we laugh all the time. When he’s off working, I miss him. We like being together. He’s made me find who I am, the real me.”

The couple have postponed wedding plans for years, but she says the event will happen “sooner or later.”

“We met ten years ago. In October, when Marc turned 40, it would have been the perfect time,” she said. “But I’ve been too busy with the book. It’ll happen sooner or later. Marc’s the one I want to grow old with.”

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Social media star dies aged nine after Ariana Grande sent her message amid cancer fight

Social media star, Brielle ‘Brie’ Bird, has tragically lost her battle with cancer, aged nine, after her favourite pop star, Ariana Grande, sent her a message

Social media sensation, Brielle ‘Brie’ Bird, has tragically died, aged nine, following her long battle with cancer.

The young influencer, whose Instagram handle was @briestrongerthancancer, documented her life online for her thousands of fans around the world as she courageously fought against a recurring form of neuroblastoma cancer – which predominantly affects children under five – for five years.

Brie was initially diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in 2020 before going into remission two years later. However, sadly, it returned in January 2024 and the much-loved star was moved into a hospice in July to receive end-of-life care where she was surrounded by her adoring family.

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Despite their heartbreak, Brie’s loved ones did everything they could to make her last days special. In August, the little girl, who had amassed a huge fan base with her candid cancer journey, was overwhelmed to receive a surprise package from one of her favourite singers, Ariana Grande, who sent Brie several presents.

The delighted influencer posted a video of herself unboxing the gifts, many of which were inspired by Wicked and Glinda, Ariana’s character in the smash-hit film.

The Eternal Sunshine star singer sent her young fan a collection of plush Squishmallows, nail polish, perfume, two Wicked dolls and other treats.

Thanking the star for her kindness, a tearful Brie said: “Thank you so, so, so, so much, Ariana Grande. I love everything in the package that you got, especially the Squishmallows and everything else.”

The video concluded with a surprise message from Ariana, who said that she heard about Brie’s love of Wicked from her mum. Telling Brie how inspirational she was, she said: “I’ve seen your videos and I think you are the most amazing, most inspiring little light beam in this universe. You’re just so incredible, so thank you for being you.

“I’m sending you so much love and many, many, many virtual hugs. I hope this makes you smile, and I’ll speak to you soon. Love you.”

Tragically, Brie died just weeks later as her mum, Kendra, shared with her daughter’s 650,000 followers: “You are the miracle! Your purpose on earth was fulfilled, and it was the most sacred privilege to escort you home,” she wrote on Friday.

“You brought people to Christ, you showed the world that God is good, and your light shined to all corners of the earth. We love you for eternity!”

The young social media star’s family went on to say they will “never stop” sharing her story, adding, “Please come visit us often. Your bedroom door is always open, and we’ll leave the playroom light on.

“You did it Brielle, you did everything with grace! I can only imagine the incredible reunion, and I’m so jealous; but I know you ran straight to Jesus.” the statement continued, concluding: “Thank you for being an inspiration to so many.”

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