In brief
Lionel Messi's recent tour in India started with unfortunate chaos in Kolkata, where fans expressed their frustrations over a lack of access to the star player, leading to vandalism. However, the tour ended on a high note in Delhi, where thousands of fans gathered to cheer for Messi and witness his joyful interactions with children and fans. The tour highlights the intense passion for football in India and Messi's enduring popularity despite the initial setbacks.
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 on the pitch - kicking balls into the stands, passing with a group of children and signing autographs - the crowd chanted his name.
His flight from Mumbai had been delayed due to fog, local media reported, and his itinerary had to be trimmed. On Saturday angry fans vandalised a Kolkata stadium because they didn't get to see him during his appearance there.
Messi had a packed schedule in India, attending a string of promotional events in Kolkata, Hyderabad and Mumbai since arriving in the early hours of Saturday.
Before heading to Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium, he virtually unveiled a 70ft statue of himself, assembled over 27 days by a 45-strong crew.
The tour got off to a disastrous start after angry fans ripped up seats and threw items towards the pitch. Football is hugely popular in West Bengal, and thousands of supporters had paid up to 12,000 rupees (£100; $133) to attend the event, but many didn’t even catch a glimpse of Messi as he was quickly whisked away from the stadium due to the rising tensions.
Following the Kolkata incident, the tour continued smoothly in Hyderabad and Mumbai. Messi interacted with numerous celebrities, including Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, further solidifying his status as a beloved figure in India.
Despite the chaotic start, the enthusiastic reception he received in Delhi showed the strong connection between Messi and his Indian fans.
