Smooth End to Messi’s India Tour After Kolkata Chaos

Details

Lionel Messi has wrapped up his three-day India tour with a successful event in Delhi, following a chaotic start in Kolkata. The Argentina and Inter Miami forward concluded his tour with a packed schedule of promotional events in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.
Despite a delayed flight from Mumbai due to fog, Messi managed to connect with thousands of fans at a Delhi stadium on Monday. The crowd chanted his name as he strolled on the pitch, kicking balls into the stands, passing with children, and signing autographs.
However, the tour got off to a disastrous start in Kolkata, where angry fans vandalized a stadium after they were denied a glimpse of Messi. The fans had paid up to 12,000 rupees (£100; $133) to attend the event, but most of them were left disappointed as Messi was surrounded by officials and celebrities on his brief walk around the stadium.
The incident, which made international headlines, was attributed to poor management, lack of coordination, and security lapses. The event organizer in Kolkata has been arrested, and a city court has remanded him to 14 days in police custody.
Messi’s visits to Hyderabad and Mumbai, on the other hand, passed off smoothly, with fans sharing their delight at seeing the global icon online and in media interviews. He also met several politicians and celebrities, including Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.
Messi’s popularity in India stems from his long international career, wide TV coverage of European football, and the emotional connection that millions of Indians have with the sport.

Timeline

– Messi arrived in India on Saturday morning.
– He virtually unveiled a 70ft statue of himself in Kolkata.
– He attended a string of promotional events in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.
– He met several politicians and celebrities, including Shah Rukh Khan, Rahul Gandhi, and Sachin Tendulkar.
– He concluded his tour with an event in Delhi on Monday.

Reactions

The incident in Kolkata has sparked a debate about the management of high-profile events in India. The event organizer has been arrested, and a city court has remanded him to 14 days in police custody.

Source: Link