Smooth Conclusion to Lionel Messi's Visit to India In the Wake of Disorder in Kolkata
Football superstar Lionel Messi has concluded his three-day India tour in smog-filled Delhi, in the wake of a chaotic opening in Kolkata.
On Monday, thousands of fans assembled in a Delhi stadium to catch a sight of the Argentinian and Inter Miami striker.
As Messi, alongside Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, strolled on the pitch – booting balls into the stands, passing with a group of children, and signing autographs – the crowd roared his name.
His plane from Mumbai had been postponed due to fog, sources stated, and his schedule had to be shortened. On Saturday, angry fans vandalised a Kolkata stadium because they were unable to view him during his appearance there.
A Busy Itinerary Spanning Several Metropolises
Messi had a packed schedule in India, participating in a string of marketing events in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai since touching down in the pre-dawn of Saturday.
Before traveling to Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium later that day, he digitally presented a 70ft (21m) statue of himself, constructed over 27 days by a large crew in the city in eastern India.
Disastrous Beginning in Soccer-Mad Kolkata
The tour, however, began with a troubled start after frustrated fans destroyed 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 witness the event.
However, the majority failed to see him as he was enveloped by officials and celebrities on his short walk around the stadium and then quickly whisked away as the situation grew violent.
"Inept organization of a much-publicized event, disorganization" and security lapses turned the stadium into a "war zone", as fans – not allowed even a sight of Messi – "expressed their fury by engaging in violence."
The disturbance, which made international headlines, marred Messi's first visit to India since 2011 for what has been dubbed a 'GOAT [greatest of all time] tour'.
The organizer in Kolkata has been arrested, police said, and a city court has ordered Satadru Dutta to 14 days in detention.
Peaceful Events in Hyderabad and Mumbai
Messi's events in Hyderabad and Mumbai passed off smoothly, with fans expressing their joy at seeing the global icon on social media and in press interactions.
Messi also met 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 meetings, Messi could be seen greeting large fan gatherings in stadiums and juggling the ball with groups of children.
There were rumors earlier that Messi would have a meeting with 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 Popularity in India
Messi's appeal stems not just from his long international career and extensive TV coverage of European football – he's the record scorer for Barcelona – but also the strong affinity that a huge number of Indians have with what is often called the beautiful game.
