Messi's India Tour Ends on a High Note After Kolkata Turmoil

Mon Dec 15 2025 18:42:15 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Lionel Messi completed his much-anticipated tour of India, delighting fans in Delhi despite a chaotic beginning in Kolkata. Interacting with large crowds, Messi's visit highlighted the nation's passion for football and the fallout from mismanaged events.

Lionel Messi's three-day tour of India concluded with an enthusiastic event in Delhi, where he engaged with thousands of fans. This followed a tumultuous start in Kolkata, marked by unruly behavior from fans who felt slighted by event management failures. Despite the initial chaos, Messi's interactions in Hyderabad and Mumbai were well-received, cementing his status as a beloved sports figure in India.

Football superstar Lionel Messi has wrapped up his three-day India tour in pollution-choked Delhi, after a chaotic opening in Kolkata.

On Monday, thousands of fans gathered in a Delhi stadium to get a glimpse of the Argentina and Inter Miami forward.

As Messi, accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, strolled the pitch - kicking balls into the stands, passing with a group of children, and signing autographs - the crowd chanted his name.

His flight to the Indian capital from Mumbai was delayed due to fog and poor visibility, local media reported, and his itinerary had to be trimmed.

Messi kept a packed schedule in India, attending a string of promotional events in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai since arriving in the early hours of Saturday.

However, the tour got off to an unfortunate start after angry fans ripped up seats and threw items towards the pitch at the stadium during Messi's appearance. Many fans had paid hefty amounts to catch a glimpse of the football icon, but were left disappointed as they couldn’t even see him due to a lack of organization.

The discontent led to a significant backlash and drew international headlines, with the event organizer in Kolkata arrested in the aftermath.

Despite the initial chaos, Messi's visits to Hyderabad and Mumbai were smooth and filled with joy, showcasing his immense popularity in a cricket-crazed nation.

Messi's encounters with fans, politicians, and celebrities, along with the unveiling of his statue in Kolkata, made for an eventful and memorable tour, reinforcing his legendary status in the world of sports.