WEB DESK: Colorful confetti rained down on Lionel Messi as he concluded his highly-discussed four-city tour of India. The Argentine legend wrapped up his visit at New Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, where Indian fans filled the stands, passionately chanting throughout his thirty-minute appearance.
For a few days, India set aside its cricket fervor and embraced “Messimania” as the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner touched down in Kolkata late Friday night. Thousands of adoring fans had gathered outside the Kolkata airport awaiting his arrival. However, Saturday’s event in Kolkata quickly turned chaotic when frustrated fans stormed the pitch after Messi’s brief appearance. The situation escalated to the point where police detained the main organizer.
In contrast, the events held in Hyderabad and Mumbai went smoothly. Alongside Messi, Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul participated without any disruptions, and Delhi’s finale also followed the planned itinerary seamlessly.
The three football stars casually strolled around the field, occasionally kicking balls into the ecstatic crowd.
“For us, it was a dream come true to see him in person,” shared a fan attending the event with his wife and two sons. He added, “We traveled all the way to Russia for the 2018 World Cup but couldn’t secure tickets to Argentina’s games. At least here, we finally got to see Messi.” The entire family proudly sported Argentina jerseys during the event.
Despite the focus on football, cricket made its presence felt during the tour. Messi, Suarez, and De Paul were presented with Indian cricket team kits by International Cricket Council chairman Jay Shah. As a gesture of hospitality, they also received tickets for next year’s Twenty20 Cricket World Cup set to take place in India and Sri Lanka.
