2,000 policemen have been deployed during Lionel Messi’s GOAT Tour in Mumbai. World Cup-level security, strict rules and crowd control plans have been implemented at Wankhede and Brabourne stadiums.
Messi Mumbai Visit: Something is going to happen in Mumbai on Sunday, for which preparations are not being made like a normal event, but like the World Cup final. The reason is Argentinian football superstar Lionel Messi, who is coming to Mumbai as part of the GOAT Tour. Mumbai Police is in full alert mode regarding his visit and the southern part of the city has almost been transformed into a fortress.
After all, why such tight security for Messi?
After the chaos during GOAT Tour in Kolkata, Mumbai Police does not want to take any risk. There, thousands of fans created a ruckus in the stadium after not getting a clear glimpse of Messi despite purchasing expensive tickets. The situation reached the point of vandalism, stampede and even police action. Taking a lesson from this experience, Mumbai Police has already prepared a strict plan.
More than 2,000 policemen, every corner under surveillance
Mumbai Police has said that more than 2,000 policemen will be deployed inside and outside the Brabourne Stadium and Wankhede Stadium. Apart from this, watch towers are being installed so that the crowd can be monitored from above. Every movement will be monitored with technologies like CCTV and drones.
What will be completely banned?
If you’re thinking of going to the stadium, forget a few things. Water bottles, anything metallic, coins, hard objects—everything will be completely banned. Police say that these steps are only for security so that any kind of chaos or violence can be prevented.
Where will Messi be seen in Mumbai?
Lionel Messi will feature in the Paddle GOAT Cup event at the Cricket Club of India’s Brabourne Stadium earlier on Sunday. After this they can become a part of a celebrity football match. He is expected to reach Wankhede Stadium around 5 pm, where the main event of the GOAT India Tour will take place.
How much crowd is expected?
According to the police, around 33,000 spectators will be present at Wankhede Stadium and more than 4,000 spectators at Brabourne Stadium. Apart from this, more than 30,000 people can also gather outside the stadium just to get a glimpse of Messi. This is why a comprehensive plan for traffic diversion and barricading has been made.
Tickets are expensive, expectations are even higher?
Spectators have bought tickets ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000. Police believe that after paying such a huge amount, fans expect good arrangements. Therefore, clear instructions have been given to the organizers that there should be no shortage of facilities like water, seating and entry-exit.
What is the special plan to avoid stampede?
Mumbai Police will give continuous instructions through the public announcement system. If necessary, fans will be stopped before the stadium. If the crowd increases beyond the prescribed limit, people will be diverted to other safe grounds. Additional police force will already be deployed in South Mumbai.
Will Mumbai repeat the same mistake as Kolkata?
The police clearly say – no. Mumbai Police has experience in handling big events like the ICC World Cup final and Team India’s victory parade, where more than one lakh people gathered. Based on this experience, this time every step is being taken thoughtfully. Lionel Messi’s Mumbai tour is not just an event but a big test of security arrangements, crowd control and administrative preparations. Now it has to be seen whether Mumbai can make history in this GOAT Tour without any controversy.