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.

Assistant coach of Solution FC – an Anambra-based Nigeria National League side – Olisa Ezeasor has sold the pair of boots gifted to him by Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen.

He put the boots up for sale at N1m, barely two months after he was gifted them by Osimhen.

The Super Eagles striker last wore the boots when he scored a hat-trick for Nigeria in the last 2026 World Cup qualifying series against the Benin Republic.

The PUNCH reported that Eseasor sold the boots to a football administrator, Fola Olatunji-David, for an undisclosed fee.

According to him, he needed the money for business.

“Officially putting this boot up for sale. Price: One million naira only. Size: 44/45. Money needed to support my personal business,” Eseasor posted on Saturday.

On Sunday, he returned with an update on the sale and also announced a giveaway of N250,000 from the proceeds.

“Update: Boot bold. Purchased by Fola Olatunji-David.

Price: undisclosed.“In order to give back to my mutual community, who have been active under my posts since my small fame in this space, I’ll be doing a giveaway worth N250,000. N10,000 for 25 persons. Follow my account, on my post notification, and comment done with a screenshot of my post notification on. I’ll select winners from the comments. Entries start now.”

Image credit : arise.tv

Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has announced his interest in taking a leadership role within the Nigeria Football Federation, stressing that he would only step into such a position if it operates without corruption

.Mikel’s comments follow Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, a setback he believes highlights deeper structural problems within Nigerian football.

The 37 year old said the issues extend beyond the pitch and require a complete reset driven by integrity and accountability.

Mikel, who has long been vocal about his commitment to national service, said he has always prioritised Nigeria throughout his football career.

“One thing I have always done since my early days is fought for the country. I don’t know how many players have done that like I have, through the U17, U20, the senior national team.”

“Years of sacrifice. I have never for once said no to my country.”

He added that he remains ready to contribute, but only under the right conditions.

“When I know I can give my opinion and help, I will always be ready. But again, I won’t have corruption tied to me. I am never going to do that if I am going to say yes.

“If you want us going forward, you must make sure things are done properly. Get the right people, people that have the same direction and thought, so when the players come back home to play, there is a good environment for them to play and perform.”

Beyond his playing career, Mikel has gained administrative experience. In July 2023, he was appointed Honorary Adviser on Sports in Plateau State by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, where he has contributed to sports development and strategic planning.

His leadership role, combined with his global football profile, has led many observers to view him as a potential reformist figure who could help reset Nigerian football governance.