What was meant to be a historic celebration of football turned into an embarrassment for organisers and authorities in Kolkata. Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated appearance at Salt Lake Stadium ended in chaos, anger and vandalism, triggering nationwide outrage and political scrutiny.
As videos of the disorder went viral, the incident forced the West Bengal government to respond, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stepping in to address the fallout.
Mamata Banerjee Apologises After Messi Event Chaos
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Saturday issued a public apology to football legend Lionel Messi and millions of fans after chaotic scenes unfolded at Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) during Messi’s highly anticipated visit.
CM Mamata Banerjee said she was “deeply disturbed and shocked” by the mismanagement that marred what was meant to be a historic celebration of the Argentine star. Her comments came as footage from the stadium showing fans throwing bottles, breaking seats and clashing with security spread widely online.
Messi Kolkata Appearance Turned Turbulent
Messi’s stop in Kolkata was the first leg of his GOAT India Tour. He arrived early on Saturday and was scheduled to wave to fans and join an exhibition match. Video reports show that the Argentine icon was surrounded by a large entourage and VIPs, making it hard for fans in the stands to see him clearly.
Many ticket holders had paid hefty sums expecting a clearer view, but Messi’s time on the field lasted only about 20–22 minutes before he was quickly escorted out due to the growing unrest.
Messi India Tour 2025: What Went Wrong at the Stadium?
Fans inside Salt Lake Stadium were visibly upset when Messi’s appearance was brief and restricted. Many felt that they could not catch even a glimpse of the football star because of the crowd of security, officials and organisers around him.
Frustration soon turned into anger, and spectators began throwing bottles, chairs and other objects. Some also attempted to breach barricades and vandalised parts of the venue.
Angry supporters expressed their displeasure directly — one fan complained that the event was “absolutely terrible” because, despite paying large sums for tickets, they were unable to see Messi even once.
Messi India Tour 2025: Political Backlash & Criticism
The chaotic scenes did not go unnoticed in political circles. The BJP criticised the state government for poor planning and called it a “total embarrassment on an international stage.” Party leaders questioned the organisation of the event and said that the mismanagement reflected badly on the administrative capabilities of the ruling party.
Messi India Tour 2025: Probe Committee Formed to Investigate
In response to the incident, Mamata Banerjee announced the formation of a high-level probe committee to examine the circumstances that led to the chaos. The panel will be headed by retired Justice Ashim Kumar Ray, and will include the West Bengal Chief Secretary and the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home and Hill Affairs Department as members. Its mandate is to investigate the disorder, assign responsibility and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in future.
Messi India Tour 2025: CM Mamata Banerjee Apology to Messi
Banerjee said she had been on her way to the stadium to attend the event alongside thousands of sports lovers when the unrest began. In a post on social media platform X, she wrote that she was “deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement” and offered a “sincere apology” to both Messi and all fans affected by the disruption.
Messi India Tour 2025: Fans Demand Accountability and Better Management
Many spectators called the event disappointing and poorly organised, with some even demanding refunds or expressing that the experience left them feeling “scammed” after paying for tickets. Others said that Messi’s extremely short stay and the lack of proper crowd control ruined what should have been a moment of celebration.
