Smooth Conclusion to Messi's India Tour Following Unrest in Kolkata
Global football icon Lionel Messi has wrapped up his multi-day India tour in hazy Delhi, following a disorderly opening in Kolkata.
On Monday, countless fans assembled in a Delhi stadium to get a glimpse of the Argentinian and Inter Miami striker.
As Messi, joined by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, entered the pitch – kicking balls into the stands, playing with a group of children, and signing autographs – the crowd roared his name.
His flight from Mumbai had been postponed due to fog, reports reported, and his agenda had to be shortened. On Saturday, disappointed fans damaged a Kolkata stadium because they didn't get to see him during his event there.
An Intense Agenda Across Several Metropolises
Messi had a hectic schedule in India, taking part in a string of marketing events in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai since touching down in the wee hours of Saturday.
Before traveling to Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium later that day, he virtually presented a 70ft (21m) statue of himself, built over 27 days by a large crew in the eastern city.
Troubled Beginning in Soccer-Mad Kolkata
The tour, however, began with a chaotic start after angry fans ripped up seats and threw items towards the pitch at the stadium.
Football is hugely popular in West Bengal state – of which Kolkata is the capital – and countless ardent supporters had spent up to 12,000 rupees to be at the event.
However, many failed to see him as he was surrounded by officials and celebrities on his quick walk around the stadium and then hurriedly escorted away as the situation grew violent.
"Faulty planning of a highly anticipated event, disorganization" and security lapses turned the stadium into a "battlefield", as fans – not allowed even a sight of Messi – "vented their anger by engaging in violence."
The disturbance, which grabbed international headlines, overshadowed Messi's first visit to India since 2011 for what has been termed a 'GOAT [greatest of all time] tour'.
The event organiser in Kolkata has been detained, police said, and a city court has sent Satadru Dutta to 14 days in police custody.
Smooth Events in Hyderabad and Mumbai
Messi's events in Hyderabad and Mumbai went off without a hitch, with fans sharing their delight at seeing the international legend on social media and in media interviews.
Messi also encountered several political figures and celebrities – film actor Shah Rukh Khan in Kolkata, political figure Rahul Gandhi in Hyderabad, and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar in Mumbai.
In between these meetings, Messi could be seen greeting large fan assemblies in stadiums and dribbling the ball with groups of children.
There were speculation earlier that Messi would have a meeting with Narendra Modi in Delhi, but the Indian prime minister traveled abroad on Monday morning on a pre-arranged visit to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman.
The Root of Messi's Vast Fame in India
Messi's popularity is due to more than his lengthy international career and extensive TV coverage of European football – he's the all-time top scorer for Barcelona – but also the deep bond that a huge number of Indians have with what is often known as the beautiful game.
