I am deeply disturbed: Mamata Banerjee issues public apology amid chaos during Messi event in Kolkata stadium 

The unrest forced the World Cup hero to cut short what was meant to be the highlight of his GOAT Tour appearance in Kolkata.

In her public apology, Mamata Banerjee wrote: "I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium. I was on my way to the stadium to attend the event along with thousands of sports lovers and fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite footballer, Lionel Messi."

"I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident," she said.

Banerjee announced forming an  enquiry committee, under the chairmanship of Justice (Retd.) Ashim Kumar Ray, with the Chief Secretary and the Additional Chief Secretary, Home and Hill Affairs Department, as members, to conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident.

She said the committee would fix responsibility and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. 

Banerjee said: "Once again, I extend my heartfelt apologies to all sports lovers."

An angry crowd, who claimed they could not see Messi during his brief appearance in the stadium, since he was surrounded by administrators, were seen ripping up seats and throwing them onto the pitch, the same venue where the Argentine superstar had played an exhibition match 14 years ago.

Security personnel rushed in to control the situation as chants gave way to scuffles and projectiles being hurled.

The incident marked an abrupt and chaotic end to an otherwise historic day celebrating Messi’s presence in Kolkata, prompting questions over crowd control and event planning at one of India’s largest sporting venues.

"We want our money back. It was a selfie event for politicians who have no understanding of football. This is a scam," said an angry fan who paid a bomb to buy a ticket to the stadium.

Earlier Lionel Messi set Kolkata ablaze on Day 1 of his much-anticipated GOAT Tour in India, unveiling a towering 70-foot statue of himself and sharing a high-profile meeting with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

Messi met Shah Rukh Khan and his family in Kolkata in what fans described as the ultimate crossover between football and Bollywood, sending social media into a frenzy. Both icons are set to head to the Salt Lake Stadium for the next leg of the day’s events.

Before descending into chaos, supporters were seen holding placards and banners, with one fan boldly urging the Argentine No. 10 to guide his nation to back-to-back World Cup titles, reflecting the enduring global belief in the World Cup-winning captain.