Sports
Fans vandalise Indian stadium after Messi’s abrupt exit
Before the chaos erupted, Messi unveiled a 21-metre (70-foot) statue depicting him holding aloft the World Cup.
Cover image: Security personnel try to control the crowd as Inter Miami’s Argentine forward #10 Lionel Messi departs from the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on December 13, 2025. Thousands of fans packed into a stadium in eastern India on December 13 to cheer on Lionel Messi as the football legend unveiled a 21-metre (70-foot) statue of himself. (Photo by Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP).
Angry spectators broke down barricades and stormed the pitch at a stadium in India after football star Lionel Messi, who is on a three-day tour of the country, abruptly left the arena.
AFP reported that as part of the so-called GOAT Tour, the 38-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami superstar touched down in the eastern state of West Bengal early Saturday, greeted by a chorus of exuberant fans chanting his name.
Hours later, thousands of fans wearing Messi jerseys and waving the Argentine flag packed Salt Lake Stadium in the state capital, Kolkata, but heavy security around the footballer left many struggling to catch a glimpse of him.
Messi walked around the pitch, waved to fans and left the stadium earlier than expected.
Frustrated supporters, many of whom had paid more than $100 for tickets, ripped out stadium seats and hurled water bottles onto the track.Others stormed the pitch and vandalised banners and tents.
“For me, to watch Messi is a pleasure, a dream. But I have missed the chance to have a glimpse because of the mismanagement in the stadium,” businessman Nabin Chatterjee, 37, told AFP.
Before the chaos erupted, Messi unveiled a 21-metre (70-foot) statue depicting him holding aloft the World Cup.
He was also expected to play a short exhibition match at the stadium.
Another angry fan told the Press Trust of India (PTI) that people had spent “a month’s salary” to see Messi.
Sports
Ex-Super Eagles striker Michael Eneramo dies after collapsing during match
Eneramo, who had retired from professional football, previously played for several clubs, including Besiktas of Turkey, Tunisian side Esperance, and Nigerian club Lobi Stars.
Former Super Eagles striker, Michael Eneramo, is dead, according to SCORENigeria on Friday.
Eneramo reportedly slumped and died while playing a football match in Kaduna State.
The 40-year-old was said to be featuring at the Angwan Yelwa pitch in the Television area of Kaduna when the incident occurred.
“He slumped and died right on the spot. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful,” a source told SCORENigeria.
The former international came on as a substitute in the second half before collapsing without any contact.
“He was pronounced dead at the hospital.”
Eneramo, who had retired from professional football, previously played for several clubs, including Besiktas of Turkey, Tunisian side Esperance, and Nigerian club Lobi Stars.
Sports
Governor Adeleke Remodelling Osogbo Stadium to 15,000 Sitting Capacity
Adeleke expressed happiness at the involvement of several foreign technical partners working with the contractors to ensure that the new stadium meets FIFA standards and eventually secures FIFA certification.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has commenced work on remodelling Osogbo Township Stadium from 4,000 to 15,000 sitting capacity.
In a statement , Governor Adeleke emphasised that the increased capacity will attract major sporting events to boost the development of all games in the state.
Adeleke expressed happiness at the involvement of several foreign technical partners working with the contractors to ensure that the new stadium meets FIFA standards and eventually secures FIFA certification.
He commended the speedy and qualitative ongoing remodelling of the stadium.
“This is the way to finally integrate Osun into the mainstream of sports development in the country.
“As a sports-loving governor, I am eager to ensure that the Osun Sports Trust Fund becomes operational,” he said.
Sports
Former NFF chairman Ibrahim Galadima dies at 78
His funeral prayers are scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Fagge Juma’at Mosque in Kano.
A former chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Galadima, is dead at the age of 78.
His funeral prayers are scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Fagge Juma’at Mosque in Kano.
Galadima, who also held the traditional title of Galadiman Fagge, died on Saturday evening at a hospital in Kano, according to his younger brother, Abba Galadima.
The late administrator was widely regarded as a key figure in Nigerian football, having played a major role in shaping the sport during his tenure.
He served as chairman of the football federation between 2002 and 2006, a period marked by efforts to strengthen the organisation and enhance Nigeria’s presence on the international stage.
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