Peaceful End to Lionel Messi's Visit to India In the Wake of Disorder in Kolkata
Global football icon Lionel Messi has concluded his three-day India tour in pollution-choked Delhi, following a turbulent opening in Kolkata.
On Monday, a multitude of fans assembled in a Delhi stadium to see the Argentina and Inter Miami forward.
As Messi, joined by Inter Miami team-mates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, entered the pitch – sending balls into the stands, playing with a group of children, and signing autographs – the crowd chanted his name.
His aircraft from Mumbai had been delayed due to fog, sources reported, and his schedule had to be cut down. On Saturday, frustrated fans damaged a Kolkata stadium because they didn't get to see him during his event there.
A Packed Itinerary Across Multiple Cities
Messi had a hectic schedule in India, taking part in a string of promotional events in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai since landing in the early hours of Saturday.
Before making his way to Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium later that day, he virtually revealed a 70ft (21m) statue of himself, constructed over 27 days by a 45-strong crew in the city in eastern India.
Troubled Kickoff in Soccer-Mad Kolkata
The tour, however, got off to a disastrous start after angry fans destroyed seats and flung items towards the pitch at the stadium.
Football is immensely popular in West Bengal state – of which Kolkata is the capital – and countless adoring supporters had spent up to 12,000 rupees to be at the event.
However, most of them didn't even get to see him as he was enveloped by officials and celebrities on his short walk around the stadium and then rapidly taken away as the situation turned hostile.
"Inept organization of a much-publicized event, disorganization" and safety failures turned the stadium into a "scene of chaos", as fans – not allowed even a sight of Messi – "released their frustration by resorting to violence."
The unrest, which made international headlines, marred Messi's first visit to India since 2011 for what has been called a 'GOAT [greatest of all time] tour'.
The event organiser in Kolkata has been arrested, police said, and a city court has sent Satadru Dutta to 14 days in police custody.
Peaceful Engagements in Other Cities
Messi's appearances in Hyderabad and Mumbai passed off smoothly, with fans sharing their delight at seeing the world-famous star online and in press interactions.
Messi also had meetings with several politicians 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 engagements, Messi could be seen waving to large fan assemblies in stadiums and playing football with groups of children.
There were reports 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 Root of His Vast Appeal in India
Messi's appeal comes not only from his long international career and extensive TV coverage of European football – he's the all-time top scorer for Barcelona – but also the strong affinity that a huge number of Indians have with what is often called the beautiful game.
