Football icon Lionel Messi has concluded his three-day visit to India, ending the tour on a calm note in Delhi after a turbulent start in Kolkata.
Thousands of fans gathered at a stadium in the capital on Monday to catch a glimpse of the Argentine superstar. Messi, along with his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, interacted with supporters by kicking footballs into the stands, signing autographs, and playing briefly with children on the field. The crowd responded with loud chants as the players made their appearance.
Messi’s travel plans were slightly disrupted due to heavy fog, which delayed his flight from Mumbai and led to changes in his schedule. The visit began with controversy on Saturday in Kolkata, where frustrated fans damaged parts of a stadium after failing to see the footballer during a heavily crowded event.
During his stay, Messi attended promotional programmes in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. In Kolkata, he virtually unveiled a large statue created in his honour, which took weeks to assemble. However, poor crowd control and event management led to chaos at the venue, overshadowing the celebrations.
Football enjoys massive popularity in West Bengal, and many supporters had purchased high-priced tickets hoping to see Messi in person. Due to security concerns and mounting unrest, his appearance there was brief. Authorities later arrested the event organiser, citing mismanagement and safety failures.
Following the Kolkata incident, the remaining events in Hyderabad and Mumbai were conducted without major issues. Fans in both cities shared positive reactions online and in interviews, expressing joy at seeing one of football’s greatest players up close.
Throughout the tour, Messi met several well-known personalities, including actors, political leaders, and sports icons. His interactions with children and fans were widely shared on social media, highlighting his global appeal.
Although there were reports that Messi might meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the meeting did not take place due to the prime minister’s overseas travel schedule.
Messi’s strong fan following in India reflects the country’s deep emotional connection with football and his legendary career, which continues to inspire millions worldwide.