Messi Appearance Descends Into Chaos in Kolkata as BJP Hits Out at TMC Over Mismanagement

Kolkata, Dec 13: What was expected to be a historic and celebratory moment for football fans in Kolkata turned into chaos on Saturday (December 13) morning after Lionel Messi's brief appearance at the

Salt Lake Stadium ended amid disorder, security breaches and angry scenes in the stands.

The fallout quickly spilled into the political arena, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launching a sharp attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government over what it called a "total embarrassment" and "gross mismanagement" on an international stage.

Messi's visit, which lasted barely 22 minutes, failed to offer fans in the 'City of Joy' even a glimpse of the Argentine icon. Soon after he emerged from the tunnel, security arrangements collapsed as supporters breached barricades, forcing organisers to whisk the footballer away. The situation escalated further as frustrated , prompting police intervention inside the FIFA-approved venue.

He questioned the adequacy of security and crowd management, warning that the situation could have turned tragic had it spiralled further out of control. Poonawala also alleged that political grandstanding worsened the situation, claiming TMC leaders surrounded Messi while genuine fans were denied access.

He compared the disorder to previous crowd-control failures, stressing that the risk to both spectators and the visiting global star was unacceptable. The BJP leader further shared images and public reactions from the stadium to underline what he termed administrative failure.

The BJP Spokesperson posted on X, "Total embarrassment on an international stage. A global legend like Messi will see a massive public turnout and yet zero planning & very little security! CM Mamata Banerjee can't even organise or manage an event!

TMC leaders surrounded him and fans were denied ! Messi had to leave asap! What if something would have happened to fans or the guest? This was like what we say in Bengaluru stampede where many lost lives!

Scenes of chaos and complete mismanagement at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium. Angry fans were forced to throw bottles and chairs from the stands after being pushed to the brink by sheer mismanagement. Thousands of fans who gathered with hope couldn't even catch a glimpse of him. Mamata Banerjee must go. "

The chaos forced the event to be cut short, leaving several high-profile guests - including Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee - unable to participate. Promoter Shatadru Datta, organiser of the 'GOAT Tour', along with security personnel, escorted Messi out as the stadium descended into disorder and political one-upmanship.

Fans who had paid between ₹4,500 and ₹10,000 for tickets expressed outrage over the experience. Many complained of poor crowd control, lack of basic facilities and an event hijacked by politics. "People spent a month's salary hoping to see Messi. I came with my son, not to watch politicians. There wasn't even drinking water," an angry fan told media, highlighting the depth of frustration among spectators.

The incident has not only triggered a political war of words but also raised serious questions about event management, crowd safety and accountability at major international sporting events in India's iconic venues.