Snehashish roy
What was meant to be a celebratory moment for football fans in India turned awkward on Sunday evening when Bollywood actors Tiger Shroff and Ajay Devgn were booed by sections of the crowd at a high-profile event in Mumbai linked to football legend Lionel Messi. The incident unfolded as thousands gathered with the expectation of catching a glimpse of Messi during his much-publicised India tour.
According to attendees and videos circulating on social media, the mood inside the venue shifted sharply when Tiger Shroff and Ajay Devgn were announced on stage. Instead of applause, loud boos and chants demanding Messi’s appearance echoed through the arena. The reaction appeared to stem from mounting impatience among fans who had come primarily to see the Argentine superstar, only to find the programme led by Bollywood celebrities.
Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, enjoys a massive following in India, particularly among younger fans who closely track global football. His visit had generated enormous buzz, with tickets selling out quickly and expectations soaring. Many attendees believed they would either see Messi in person or hear him speak at the event, making the prolonged wait and ified, Tiger Shroff and Ajay Devgn attempted to continue with their on-stage interactions, but the noise reportedly drowned out much of the proceedings. Several videos showed fans chanting Messi’s name repeatedly, while others expressed visible disappointment. The situation highlighted a stark disconnect between organisers’ programming and audience expectations.
While both actors are among Bollywood’s most recognisable faces, the crowd’s response underlined a broader cultural shift. Global sports icons, especially footballers like Messi, often command a level of devotion that surpasses film celebrities at mixed-interest events. For many in attendance, the presence of Bollywood stars felt secondary, even intrusive, at an occasion billed around a football legend.
Social media reactions following the incident were sharply divided. Some users criticised the crowd for being disrespectful, arguing that Tiger Shroff and Ajay Devgn were invited guests fulfilling their professional commitments. Others, however, placed the blame squarely on the event organisers, accusing them of misleading promotion and failing to clearly communicate Messi’s role in the programme. Several fans pointed out that expectations could have been managed better to avoid disappointment.
The organisers later clarified that Messi was not scheduled to make a full public appearance on stage during the event, though the clarification did little to quell online debate. The episode has since sparked discussion about how celebrity-driven events are marketed in India, particularly when global icons are involved.
For Tiger Shroff and Ajay Devgn, the incident was less a personal rebuke and more a reflection of the crowd’s singular focus. Neither actor publicly responded to the boos, maintaining professionalism amid an uncomfortable situation. The moment, however, serves as a reminder that audience sentiment can shift rapidly when expectations are not met.
Ultimately, the Mumbai event underscored the growing influence of international sports figures in India and the need for transparent communication in large-scale public appearances. When fans arrive for a legend like Lionel Messi, anything short of him can feel like a let-down, regardless of who else is on stage.