Smooth Finish to Messi's India Tour Following Kolkata Chaos

Football superstar Lionel Messi has concluded his three-day India tour in hazy Delhi, following a turbulent opening in Kolkata.

On Monday, a multitude of fans congregated in a Delhi stadium to see the Argentinian and Inter Miami attacker.

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

His plane from Mumbai had been delayed due to fog, sources indicated, and his agenda had to be trimmed. On Saturday, angry fans vandalised a Kolkata stadium because they failed to see him during his appearance there.

A Busy Schedule Across Multiple Cities

Messi had a hectic schedule in India, attending a succession of brand events in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai since arriving in the early hours of Saturday.

Before traveling to Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium later that day, he remotely presented a 70ft (21m) statue of himself, built over 27 days by a 45-strong crew in the eastern city.

Chaotic Beginning in Football-Crazy Kolkata

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

Football is hugely popular in West Bengal state – of which Kolkata is the capital – and countless adoring supporters had paid up to 12,000 rupees to attend the event.

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

"Poor management of a highly anticipated event, disorganization" and security lapses turned the stadium into a "war zone", as fans – prevented from seeing of Messi – "released their frustration by engaging in violence."

The unrest, which captured international headlines, cast a shadow over Messi's first visit to India since 2011 for what has been called a 'GOAT [greatest of all time] tour'.

The organizer in Kolkata has been taken into custody, police said, and a city court has sent Satadru Dutta to 14 days in detention.

Peaceful Events in Hyderabad and Mumbai

Messi's visits to Hyderabad and Mumbai passed off smoothly, with fans sharing their delight at seeing the global icon on social media and in media interviews.

Messi also encountered several political figures and celebrities – Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan in Kolkata, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi in Hyderabad, and sporting icon Sachin Tendulkar in Mumbai.

In between these engagements, Messi could be seen waving to large fan assemblies in stadiums and playing football with groups of children.

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

The Source of His Immense Popularity in India

Messi's appeal stems not just from his lengthy international career and broad 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.