Calm End to Messi's Visit to India Following Unrest in Kolkata

Soccer legend Lionel Messi has wrapped up his three-day India tour in pollution-choked Delhi, after a turbulent opening in Kolkata.

On Monday, thousands of fans assembled in a Delhi stadium to catch a sight of the Argentina and Inter Miami forward.

As Messi, joined by Inter Miami colleagues 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 roared his name.

His aircraft from Mumbai had been held up due to fog, reports reported, and his schedule had to be trimmed. On Saturday, disappointed fans damaged a Kolkata stadium because they didn't get to see him during his event there.

An Intense Schedule Spanning Multiple Cities

Messi had a packed schedule in India, taking part in a succession 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 70ft (21m) statue of himself, built over 27 days by a 45-person crew in the eastern city.

Troubled Start in Football-Loving Kolkata

The tour, however, got off to a disastrous start after angry 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 a multitude of adoring supporters had paid up to 12,000 rupees to attend the event.

However, the majority didn't even get 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.

"Poor management of a hyped-up event, lack of co-ordination" and safety failures turned the stadium into a "war zone", as fans – denied even a glimpse of Messi – "vented their anger by indulging in violence."

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

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

Peaceful Visits in Hyderabad and Mumbai

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

Messi also met 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 greeting large fan crowds in stadiums and juggling the ball with groups of children.

There were speculation earlier that Messi would meet Narendra Modi in Delhi, but the Indian prime minister departed on Monday morning on a planned visit to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman.

The Reason of Messi's Vast Popularity in India

Messi's appeal comes not only from his long international career and extensive TV coverage of European football – he's the all-time top scorer for Barcelona – but also the emotional connection that a huge number of Indians have with what is often referred to as the beautiful game.