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Messi wraps up India visit in Delhi
Football legend Lionel Messi ended his three-day India tour in the capital, Delhi, on Monday, where thousands of fans gathered at a stadium to catch a glimpse of the Argentina and Inter Miami forward.
Messi, joined by teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, interacted with supporters by kicking balls into the stands, signing autographs, and playing with children. His arrival in Delhi was delayed due to fog, forcing organizers to shorten his schedule.
Chaotic start in Kolkata
The tour began on a turbulent note in Kolkata on Saturday, where frustrated fans vandalized a stadium after being denied access to Messi. The Argentina captain had virtually unveiled a 70-foot statue of himself in the city earlier that day, assembled by a 45-member team over 27 days.
Despite high demand-tickets sold for up to 12,000 rupees (£100; $133)-most fans left disappointed as Messi was quickly escorted away amid security lapses. Local newspaper The Telegraph criticized the event's poor management, calling the stadium a "battlefield" after fans resorted to violence.
Police arrested event organizer Satadru Dutta, who was later remanded to 14 days in police custody by a Kolkata court.
Smooth events in Hyderabad and Mumbai
Messi's appearances in Hyderabad and Mumbai proceeded without incident, with fans sharing their excitement online. In Hyderabad, he met opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, while in Mumbai, he interacted with cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan in Kolkata before the stadium chaos.
Earlier reports suggested Messi would meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but Modi departed for a diplomatic trip to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman on Monday morning.
India's love for the 'beautiful game'
Messi's popularity in India extends beyond his football achievements-including his record-breaking career at Barcelona-to the emotional connection millions share with the sport. His tour, dubbed the 'GOAT (Greatest of All Time) tour,' marked his first visit to the country since 2011.
"Poor management of a hyped-up event and security lapses turned the stadium into a battlefield," The Telegraph editorialized.
