Peaceful Finish to Messi's Visit to India Following Kolkata Chaos
Global football icon Lionel Messi has concluded his multi-day India tour in pollution-choked Delhi, after a disorderly opening in Kolkata.
On Monday, thousands of fans congregated in a Delhi stadium to see the Argentinian and Inter Miami striker.
As Messi, accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, strolled on the pitch – kicking balls into the stands, passing with a group of children, and giving signatures – the crowd shouted his name.
His aircraft from Mumbai had been held up due to fog, local media reported, and his agenda had to be cut down. On Saturday, disappointed fans damaged a Kolkata stadium because they didn't get to see him during his event there.
A Busy Itinerary Across Several Metropolises
Messi had a busy schedule in India, participating in a succession of promotional events in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai since arriving in the early hours of Saturday.
Before traveling to Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium later that day, he remotely unveiled a 21-meter statue of himself, built over 27 days by a 45-strong crew in the eastern city.
Chaotic Kickoff in Soccer-Mad Kolkata
The tour, however, began with a chaotic start after disappointed fans ripped up seats and hurled items towards the pitch at the stadium.
Football is extremely popular in West Bengal state – of which Kolkata is the capital – and a multitude of ardent supporters had paid up to 12,000 rupees to be at the event.
However, the majority were unable to catch a glimpse of him as he was enveloped by officials and celebrities on his quick walk around the stadium and then hurriedly escorted away as the situation turned hostile.
"Faulty planning of a highly anticipated event, lack of co-ordination" and security lapses turned the stadium into a "battlefield", as fans – not allowed even a sight of Messi – "released their frustration by resorting to violence."
The disturbance, which made international headlines, overshadowed Messi's first visit to India since 2011 for what has been dubbed a 'GOAT [greatest of all time] tour'.
The event organiser in Kolkata has been arrested, police said, and a city court has ordered Satadru Dutta to 14 days in detention.
Successful Visits in Other Cities
Messi's visits to Hyderabad and Mumbai passed off smoothly, with fans showing their happiness at seeing the international legend online and in media interviews.
Messi also met several political figures and celebrities – Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan in Kolkata, political figure Rahul Gandhi in Hyderabad, and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar in Mumbai.
In between these engagements, Messi could be seen acknowledging large fan gatherings in stadiums and playing football with groups of children.
There were speculation earlier that Messi would meet Narendra Modi in Delhi, but the Indian prime minister traveled abroad on Monday morning on a planned visit to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman.
The Source of His Vast Fame in India
Messi's appeal comes not only from his lengthy international career and extensive TV coverage of European football – he's the highest goal-getter for Barcelona – but also the deep bond that millions of Indians have with what is often called the beautiful game.
