Messi's Chaotic India Tour: A Star's Welcome Amidst Turmoil

Mon Dec 15 2025 19:54:23 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Lionel Messi concluded his eventful tour in India, filled with fanfare and controversy as he navigated through a tumultuous reception in Kolkata to a grand finale in Delhi.

Lionel Messi's India tour wrapped up successfully on Monday after a rocky start in Kolkata, where fan enthusiasm led to chaos. Despite the initial disruption, Messi's interactions in Delhi and elsewhere celebrated his popularity, demonstrating the intense following of football in India. His virtual unveiling of a statue and interactions with celebrities marked a notable presence in the cricket-centric nation.

Football superstar Lionel Messi has wrapped up his three-day India tour in pollution-choked Delhi, after a chaotic opening in Kolkata.

On Monday, thousands of fans gathered in a Delhi stadium to get a glimpse of the Argentina and Inter Miami forward.

As Messi, accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, strolled the pitch - kicking balls into the stands, passing with a group of children and signing autographs - the crowd chanted his name.

His flight to the Indian capital from Mumbai was delayed due to fog and poor visibility, local media reported, and his itinerary had to be trimmed.

Messi kept a packed schedule in India, attending a string of promotional events in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai since arriving early on Saturday. Before heading to Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium, he virtually unveiled a 70-foot statue of himself, assembled over 27 days by a 45-strong crew in the eastern city.

The tour got off to an unfortunate start after angry fans ripped up seats and threw items towards the pitch at the stadium.

Football is hugely popular in West Bengal state, with thousands of supporters paying up to 12,000 rupees (£100; $133) to catch a glimpse of Messi. Most of them couldn't even see him clearly due to a tight circle of officials and celebrities surrounding him.

Kolkata's The Telegraph noted that poor management of a hyped-up event, lack of coordination and security lapses turned the stadium into a battlefield as fans vented their anger through violence.

The ruckus made international headlines and cast a shadow over Messi's first visit to India since 2011 for what is termed a 'GOAT tour'. The event organiser in Kolkata has been arrested, with a city court remanding him to 14 days in police custody.

Messi's visits to Hyderabad and Mumbai went smoothly, with fans expressing delight at online appearances and media interviews.

In addition to interactions with fans, Messi met several Indian celebrities and politicians during his tour, including Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.

Messi's immense popularity in India can be traced back to his long career and the emotional connection many Indians have with football, recognized as the 'beautiful game'.