Calm Conclusion to Messi's India Tour After Unrest in Kolkata

Soccer legend Lionel Messi has concluded his multi-day India tour in smog-filled Delhi, in the wake of a turbulent opening in Kolkata.

On Monday, countless fans congregated in a Delhi stadium to see the Argentinian and Inter Miami forward.

As Messi, accompanied by Inter Miami colleagues Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, strolled on the pitch – sending balls into the stands, passing with a group of children, and giving signatures – the crowd shouted his name.

His plane from Mumbai had been delayed due to fog, reports indicated, and his agenda had to be trimmed. On Saturday, disappointed fans wrecked a Kolkata stadium because they were unable to view him during his appearance there.

An Intense Agenda Spanning Multiple Cities

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

Before traveling to Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium later that day, he remotely unveiled a massive statue of himself, constructed over 27 days by a large crew in the city in eastern India.

Chaotic Beginning in Football-Loving Kolkata

The tour, however, got off to a disastrous start after angry fans tore seats and hurled items towards the pitch at the stadium.

Football is extremely popular in West Bengal state – of which Kolkata is the capital – and thousands of ardent supporters had spent up to 12,000 rupees to witness the event.

However, many didn't even get to see him as he was enveloped by officials and celebrities on his quick walk around the stadium and then rapidly taken away as the situation grew violent.

"Inept organization of a hyped-up event, disorganization" and security lapses turned the stadium into a "war zone", as fans – prevented from seeing of Messi – "expressed their fury by engaging in violence."

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

The organizer in Kolkata has been detained, police said, and a city court has ordered Satadru Dutta to 14 days in police custody.

Peaceful Engagements in Other Cities

Messi's visits to Hyderabad and Mumbai concluded peacefully, with fans sharing their delight at seeing the international legend online and in press interactions.

Messi also met several political figures and celebrities – Bollywood star 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 waving to large fan gatherings in stadiums and juggling the ball with groups of children.

There were speculation earlier that Messi would have a meeting with Narendra Modi in Delhi, but the Indian prime minister traveled abroad on Monday morning on a pre-arranged visit to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman.

The Source of His Great Fame in India

Messi's popularity is due to more than his prolific international career and wide TV coverage of European football – he's the highest goal-getter for Barcelona – but also the strong affinity that millions of Indians have with what is often referred to as the beautiful game.