'Disturbed, Shocked’: Mamata Banerjee Apologises After Chaos at Messi’s Kolkata Event; BJP Targets TMC

Mamata Orders Judicial Probe into 'Messi Mess' Fiasco; Apologises for Kolkata Stadium Chaos.

The chaos that marred Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated Kolkata appearance during the GOAT India Tour 2025 has triggered major political and administrative fallout in West Bengal. The incident unfolded at Salt Lake Stadium on December 13, when severe mismanagement and overcrowding left thousands of ticket-holding fans unable to see the football icon.

Messi’s appearance reportedly lasted barely 10–20 minutes as he was quickly surrounded by security personnel, officials and local dignitaries, blocking public view and forcing the cancellation of planned activities. As Messi was escorted out amid security concerns, angry fans vandalised stadium property, hurled bottles and chairs onto the field, and damaged seating, prompting police intervention.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed that she was “disturbed and shocked” by the lapse, issuing a public apology to Messi and disappointed fans, and announced a high-level judicial inquiry headed by retired Calcutta High Court judge Justice Ashim Kumar Ray to fix responsibility and prevent future incidents.

The opposition BJP seized on the episode to attack the ruling TMC, calling it an international embarrassment and accusing party leaders of prioritising photo-ops with Messi over crowd management. What was meant to be a celebration of football has now escalated into a full-blown political controversy, overshadowing Messi’s brief Kolkata visit as he moves on to the next leg of his India tour.