Peaceful Finish to Messi's India Tour After Disorder in Kolkata

Global football icon Lionel Messi has finished his three-day India tour in smog-filled Delhi, in the wake of a turbulent opening in Kolkata.

On Monday, a multitude of fans gathered in a Delhi stadium to catch a sight of the Argentinian 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, playing with a group of children, and signing autographs – the crowd roared his name.

His flight from Mumbai had been postponed due to fog, local media stated, and his schedule had to be cut down. On Saturday, disappointed fans vandalised a Kolkata stadium because they didn't get to see him during his event there.

An Intense Itinerary Across Several Metropolises

Messi had a hectic schedule in India, participating in a succession of brand events in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai since arriving in the pre-dawn of Saturday.

Before making his way to Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium later that day, he virtually presented a 70ft (21m) statue of himself, assembled over 27 days by a large crew in the eastern city.

Troubled Start in Soccer-Mad Kolkata

The tour, however, got off to a disastrous start after disappointed fans ripped up 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 countless devoted supporters had paid up to 12,000 rupees to be at the event.

However, many failed to see him as he was surrounded by officials and celebrities on his quick walk around the stadium and then rapidly taken away as the situation turned hostile.

"Poor management of a much-publicized event, poor coordination" and safety failures turned the stadium into a "scene of chaos", as fans – prevented from seeing of Messi – "vented their anger by resorting to violence."

The disturbance, which grabbed international headlines, marred Messi's first visit to India since 2011 for what has been termed a 'GOAT [greatest of all time] tour'.

The promoter in Kolkata has been arrested, police said, and a city court has sent Satadru Dutta to 14 days in detention.

Smooth Events in Hyderabad and Mumbai

Messi's appearances in Hyderabad and Mumbai passed off smoothly, with fans showing their happiness at seeing the world-famous star on social media and in media interviews.

Messi also encountered 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 meetings, Messi could be seen acknowledging large fan gatherings in stadiums and dribbling 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 departed on Monday morning on a scheduled visit to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman.

The Reason of Messi's Great Popularity in India

Messi's popularity is due to more than his prolific international career and extensive TV coverage of European football – he's the highest goal-getter for Barcelona – but also the emotional connection that countless Indians have with what is often called the beautiful game.