Football icon Lionel Messi concluded his tumultuous three-day promotional tour across India on Monday, culminating in a Delhi stadium event overshadowed by earlier chaos in Kolkata. The Inter Miami forward’s visit—marking his first return to India since 2011—unfolded against a backdrop of extreme fan devotion and operational missteps.
The tour commenced disastrously in Kolkata on Saturday when enraged supporters vandalized Salt Lake Stadium after failing to secure clear views of the Argentinian legend. Fans who had paid up to 12,000 rupees (£100) for tickets tore up seating and hurled objects onto the pitch as Messi was swiftly escorted through celebrity crowds. Local media described the scene as a ‘battlefield’ resulting from poor event management and security failures. The incident prompted the arrest of Kolkata event organizer Satadru Dutta, who faces 14 days police custody.
Despite the turbulent start, Messi’s subsequent appearances in Hyderabad and Mumbai proceeded smoothly. The football superstar engaged in promotional activities including virtual unveiling of a 70-foot statue in Kolkata, exhibition matches with children, and meetings with Indian cultural icons. His notable engagements included Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi.
Monday’s Delhi finale saw thousands of supporters braving polluted conditions to witness Messi alongside teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul. The event featured ball-kicking demonstrations, youth training sessions, and autograph signings, though the itinerary was shortened due to weather-related flight delays from Mumbai.
The tour highlighted both India’s passionate football culture and the challenges of managing global sporting events in the country. While Messi’s appearances drew immense crowds nationwide, the Kolkata incident revealed significant gaps in celebrity event coordination and security protocols.