Smooth Conclusion to Messi's India Tour Following Kolkata Chaos
Football superstar Lionel Messi has concluded his multi-day India tour in smog-filled Delhi, following a disorderly opening in Kolkata.
On Monday, thousands of fans congregated 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, strolled on the pitch – sending balls into the stands, passing with a group of children, and giving signatures – the crowd shouted his name.
His aircraft from Mumbai had been postponed due to fog, local media indicated, and his itinerary had to be shortened. On Saturday, disappointed fans wrecked a Kolkata stadium because they didn't get to see him during his visit there.
A Packed Itinerary Spanning Multiple Cities
Messi had a hectic schedule in India, attending a succession of marketing events in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai since arriving in the wee hours of Saturday.
Before traveling to Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium later that day, he digitally revealed a massive statue of himself, constructed over 27 days by a 45-strong crew in the city in eastern India.
Troubled Kickoff in Football-Crazy Kolkata
The tour, however, got off to a chaotic start after frustrated fans tore 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 a multitude of adoring supporters had forked out up to 12,000 rupees to be at the event.
However, many didn't even get to see him as he was surrounded by officials and celebrities on his brief walk around the stadium and then rapidly taken away as the situation grew violent.
"Inept organization of a much-publicized event, poor coordination" and security lapses turned the stadium into a "war zone", as fans – prevented from seeing of Messi – "released their frustration by resorting to violence."
The ruckus, which grabbed international headlines, marred 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 ordered Satadru Dutta to 14 days in custody.
Smooth Events in Other Cities
Messi's appearances in Hyderabad and Mumbai concluded peacefully, with fans showing their happiness at seeing the world-famous star online and in press interactions.
Messi also encountered several politicians and celebrities – film actor Shah Rukh Khan in Kolkata, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi in Hyderabad, and sporting icon Sachin Tendulkar in Mumbai.
In between these engagements, Messi could be seen acknowledging large fan crowds in stadiums and playing football with groups of children.
There were speculation earlier that Messi would have a meeting with Narendra Modi in Delhi, but the Indian prime minister departed on Monday morning on a pre-arranged visit to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman.
The Root of His Vast Appeal in India
Messi's popularity is due to more than his lengthy international career and extensive TV coverage of European football – he's the highest goal-getter for Barcelona – but also the emotional connection that millions of Indians have with what is often called the beautiful game.
