Smooth end to Messi India tour after Kolkata chaos

By Admin

16 Dec, 2025

Football icon Lionel Messi has concluded his much-anticipated three-day India tour, ending on a positive note in Delhi after a turbulent start in Kolkata that grabbed international attention. The visit, part of what many dubbed a “GOAT tour,” highlighted both the immense love for the Argentine superstar in India and the challenges of managing large-scale fan events.

A Chaotic Start in Football-Mad Kolkata

Messi’s tour began in Kolkata, the heartland of Indian football, where expectations were sky-high. Thousands of fans, some paying up to Rs 12,000 for tickets, packed the Salt Lake Stadium hoping to catch a glimpse of the global superstar. However, poor crowd management, lack of coordination, and security lapses turned the event sour.

Messi’s appearance was brief and tightly controlled, with officials and celebrities surrounding him as he walked around the stadium before being quickly escorted away when the situation became hostile. Angry fans vandalised the stadium, ripping up seats and throwing objects towards the pitch. An editorial in The Telegraph described the stadium atmosphere as a “battlefield,” blaming mismanagement of a hyped-up event for the violence.

The fallout was swift. The incident cast a shadow over Messi’s first visit to India since 2011, and the Kolkata event organiser, Satadru Dutta, was arrested and remanded to 14 days in police custody.

Packed Schedule and Symbolic Moments

Despite the rocky start, Messi maintained a packed itinerary across Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. Shortly after arriving in India early Saturday, he virtually unveiled a towering 70-foot statue of himself in Kolkata, assembled over 27 days by a 45-member crew, a testament to his larger-than-life status among Indian fans.

Alongside official appearances, Messi engaged in promotional events and informal interactions, often seen waving to massive crowds, dribbling the ball, kicking it into the stands, and spending time with children on the pitch.

Smooth Visits to Hyderabad and Mumbai

In contrast to Kolkata, Messi’s appearances in Hyderabad and Mumbai passed off smoothly. Fans shared videos, photos, and emotional reactions online, expressing joy at seeing the football legend in person. The calmer events helped restore the celebratory spirit of the tour.

Messi also met several high-profile personalities during his stay, including Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan in Kolkata before the stadium incident, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi in Hyderabad, and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar in Mumbai. These meetings underlined Messi’s crossover appeal beyond football.

A Grand Finale in Delhi

The tour concluded in pollution-choked Delhi, where thousands of fans gathered at a stadium on Monday to see Messi one last time. Despite his flight from Mumbai being delayed due to fog, forcing a trimmed itinerary, the atmosphere remained enthusiastic and controlled.

Accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, Messi walked onto the pitch to chants of his name. He signed autographs, passed the ball with children, and kicked balls into the stands, giving fans cherished moments to remember.

There were earlier reports that Messi would meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, but the meeting did not take place as Modi departed the country on a scheduled foreign visit.

Why Messi Captivates India

Messi’s immense popularity in India goes beyond his records and trophies. As Barcelona’s all-time top scorer and one of the most celebrated footballers in history, his career has been closely followed by millions of Indian fans through extensive television coverage of European football.

More importantly, Messi represents the emotional pull of what is often called the beautiful game. His humility, consistency, and moments of magic on the field have forged a deep connection with Indian supporters, a bond clearly visible throughout his India tour.

Despite the chaos in Kolkata, Messi’s visit ultimately ended on a high, reinforcing both his legendary status and India’s passionate love for football.