Smooth Conclusion to Messi's Visit to India Following Disorder in Kolkata
Soccer legend Lionel Messi has concluded his multi-day India tour in smog-filled Delhi, in the wake of a disorderly opening in Kolkata.
On Monday, countless fans congregated in a Delhi stadium to get a glimpse of the Argentina and Inter Miami attacker.
As Messi, joined by Inter Miami colleagues Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, strolled on the pitch – kicking balls into the stands, passing with a group of children, and signing autographs – the crowd roared his name.
His aircraft from Mumbai had been delayed due to fog, sources reported, and his agenda had to be shortened. On Saturday, angry fans vandalised a Kolkata stadium because they were unable to view him during his visit there.
A Busy Itinerary Spanning Several Metropolises
Messi had a packed schedule in India, attending a series of promotional events in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai since landing in the early hours of Saturday.
Before traveling to Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium later that day, he digitally revealed a 21-meter statue of himself, built over 27 days by a large crew in the eastern city.
Disastrous Beginning in Football-Crazy Kolkata
The tour, however, got off to a troubled start after disappointed fans destroyed seats and threw items towards the pitch at the stadium.
Football is immensely popular in West Bengal state – of which Kolkata is the capital – and countless ardent supporters had paid up to 12,000 rupees to witness the event.
However, many didn't even get 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 became tense.
"Poor management of a highly anticipated event, lack of co-ordination" and safety failures turned the stadium into a "scene of chaos", as fans – not allowed even a sight of Messi – "released their frustration by engaging in violence."
The ruckus, which captured international headlines, marred 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 detained, police said, and a city court has ordered Satadru Dutta to 14 days in police custody.
Smooth Engagements in Other Cities
Messi's appearances in Hyderabad and Mumbai passed off smoothly, with fans expressing their joy at seeing the world-famous star online and in press interactions.
Messi also encountered several political figures and celebrities – film actor Shah Rukh Khan in Kolkata, political figure Rahul Gandhi in Hyderabad, and sporting icon Sachin Tendulkar in Mumbai.
In between these engagements, Messi could be seen greeting large fan assemblies in stadiums and playing football with groups of children.
There were rumors earlier that Messi would have a meeting with Narendra Modi in Delhi, but the Indian prime minister left the country on Monday morning on a planned visit to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman.
The Source of Messi's Great Appeal in India
Messi's fame stems not just from his lengthy international career and wide TV coverage of European football – he's the all-time top scorer for Barcelona – but also the deep bond that countless Indians have with what is often known as the beautiful game.