Football icon Lionel Messi concluded his much-anticipated three-day India tour in Delhi on Monday, ending a whirlwind visit that blended adulation, spectacle and controversy. The Argentina and Inter Miami forward drew massive crowds wherever he went, underscoring his unmatched popularity in a cricket-dominated nation.

The final leg of the tour unfolded at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, where thousands of fans packed the stands despite heavy pollution and winter fog. Messi, joined by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, walked onto the field to deafening chants. The trio kicked balls into the crowd, exchanged passes with children and signed autographs, offering fans a rare, close-up moment with the footballing legend. Fog and poor visibility delayed Messi’s flight from Mumbai, forcing organisers to shorten his schedule in the capital.

Messi’s India visit began dramatically in Kolkata, where excitement spiralled into chaos at the Salt Lake Stadium. Football runs deep in West Bengal, and fans paid premium prices—some up to ?12,000—for a glimpse of the World Cup winner. However, many were left disappointed as Messi was tightly surrounded by officials and celebrities and escorted out swiftly. Frustration boiled over, leading to damaged seats and objects being thrown onto the pitch.

Local media sharply criticised the organisers, blaming poor planning, weak coordination and security lapses for turning a celebratory event into disorder. The incident attracted international attention and cast a shadow over what was Messi’s first visit to India since 2011. Police later arrested the Kolkata event organiser, who has been remanded to 14 days in custody.

Away from the turmoil, Messi maintained a packed itinerary across Kolkata, Hyderabad and Mumbai. Highlights included the virtual unveiling of a towering 70-foot statue of himself in Kolkata, built over nearly a month. His appearances in Hyderabad and Mumbai passed without incident, with fans expressing joy and awe at seeing the global superstar in person.

Despite early setbacks, Messi’s GOAT Tour reaffirmed his extraordinary pull—and the challenges of managing it.

Football icon Lionel Messi concluded his much-anticipated three-day India tour in Delhi on Monday, ending a whirlwind visit that blended adulation, spectacle and controversy. The Argentina and Inter Miami forward drew massive crowds wherever he went, underscoring his unmatched popularity in a cricket-dominated nation.

The final leg of the tour unfolded at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, where thousands of fans packed the stands despite heavy pollution and winter fog. Messi, joined by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, walked onto the field to deafening chants. The trio kicked balls into the crowd, exchanged passes with children and signed autographs, offering fans a rare, close-up moment with the footballing legend. Fog and poor visibility delayed Messi’s flight from Mumbai, forcing organisers to shorten his schedule in the capital.

Messi’s India visit began dramatically in Kolkata, where excitement spiralled into chaos at the Salt Lake Stadium. Football runs deep in West Bengal, and fans paid premium prices—some up to ?12,000—for a glimpse of the World Cup winner. However, many were left disappointed as Messi was tightly surrounded by officials and celebrities and escorted out swiftly. Frustration boiled over, leading to damaged seats and objects being thrown onto the pitch.

Local media sharply criticised the organisers, blaming poor planning, weak coordination and security lapses for turning a celebratory event into disorder. The incident attracted international attention and cast a shadow over what was Messi’s first visit to India since 2011. Police later arrested the Kolkata event organiser, who has been remanded to 14 days in custody.

Away from the turmoil, Messi maintained a packed itinerary across Kolkata, Hyderabad and Mumbai. Highlights included the virtual unveiling of a towering 70-foot statue of himself in Kolkata, built over nearly a month. His appearances in Hyderabad and Mumbai passed without incident, with fans expressing joy and awe at seeing the global superstar in person.

Despite early setbacks, Messi’s GOAT Tour reaffirmed his extraordinary pull—and the challenges of managing it.