Political Tension Erupts Following Messi's Chaotic Kolkata Visit: TMC Questions "Saffron" Presence at Stadium Incident

Dec 14, 2025 04:29 pm CST

The aftermath of Lionel Messi's brief appearance at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium has sparked a political controversy, with ruling Trinamool Congress suggesting the chaos was potentially "pre-planned" and questioning the presence of saffron flags at the event. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has apologized for the incident where fans, unable to see their idol properly, vandalized the stadium, while political parties trade accusations about responsibility for the mismanagement.