Peaceful Conclusion to Lionel Messi's Visit to India Following Disorder in Kolkata

Football superstar Lionel Messi has concluded his multi-day India tour in hazy Delhi, in the wake of a chaotic opening in Kolkata.

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

As Messi, joined by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, walked onto the pitch – kicking balls into the stands, passing with a group of children, and giving signatures – the crowd shouted his name.

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

A Packed Schedule Spanning Multiple Cities

Messi had a busy schedule in India, attending a string of brand events in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai since arriving in the wee hours of Saturday.

Before heading to Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium later that day, he digitally presented a massive statue of himself, constructed over 27 days by a 45-person crew in the eastern city.

Troubled Kickoff in Football-Crazy Kolkata

The tour, however, got off to a disastrous start after disappointed fans ripped up 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 devoted supporters had paid up to 12,000 rupees to attend the event.

However, the majority failed to see him as he was surrounded by officials and celebrities on his quick walk around the stadium and then quickly whisked away as the situation turned hostile.

"Inept organization of a much-publicized event, poor coordination" and security lapses turned the stadium into a "battlefield", as fans – prevented from seeing of Messi – "released their frustration by engaging in violence."

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

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

Peaceful Engagements in Other Cities

Messi's events in Hyderabad and Mumbai concluded peacefully, with fans showing their happiness at seeing the international legend on social media and in press interactions.

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

In between these interactions, Messi could be seen greeting large fan assemblies in stadiums and juggling the ball with groups of children.

There were reports earlier that Messi would meet Narendra Modi in Delhi, but the Indian prime minister left the country on Monday morning on a pre-arranged visit to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman.

The Root of His Immense Popularity in India

Messi's popularity is due to more than his long international career and broad TV coverage of European football – he's the record scorer for Barcelona – but also the strong affinity that countless Indians have with what is often known as the beautiful game.