Messi Wraps Up India Tour With Delhi Finale After Chaotic Kolkata Start
A Chaotic Start in Kolkata
The much-anticipated Messi India Tour 2025 began in Kolkata on December 13, but the opening event quickly turned chaotic. Thousands of fans, who paid up to ₹12,000 for tickets, were left disappointed when Messi’s appearance lasted only minutes.
Angry supporters vandalised Salt Lake Stadium, ripping seats and throwing objects. The incident made international headlines, with Kolkata’s The Telegraph describing the venue as a “battlefield” due to poor management and security lapses.
Event organiser Satadru Dutta was arrested and remanded to police custody, as authorities promised accountability.
Hyderabad & Mumbai: Smooth Sailing
After the Kolkata fiasco, Messi’s appearances in Hyderabad and Mumbai were far smoother.
- In Hyderabad, Messi met opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and attended promotional events.
- In Mumbai, he interacted with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, exchanging jerseys in a symbolic gesture of unity between football and cricket.
- Fans shared their delight online, praising the improved organisation compared to Kolkata.
Delhi Finale: Messi Plays With Children
Messi’s tour concluded on December 15 at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Despite fog delaying his flight from Mumbai, thousands of fans gathered to see him.
Messi, joined by teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, entertained the crowd by:
- Kicking balls into the stands.
- Passing with children on the pitch.
- Signing autographs and waving to fans.
The atmosphere was electric, with chants of “Messi! Messi!” echoing through the stadium.
Iconic Statue Unveiled in Kolkata
Before the Kolkata event, Messi virtually unveiled a 70-foot statue of himself, built over 27 days by a 45-member crew. The statue has since become a landmark in Lake Town, West Bengal.
Celebrity & Political Meetings
Messi’s India tour also included high-profile meetings:
- Shah Rukh Khan in Kolkata.
- Rahul Gandhi in Hyderabad.
- Sachin Tendulkar in Mumbai.
There were reports of a possible meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, but the PM left for overseas visits to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman on the same day.
Why Messi’s Tour Matters
Messi’s visit is significant for Indian football:
- It reignited passion among fans in a cricket-dominated nation.
- It highlighted India’s growing appetite for global football events.
- It showcased Messi’s enduring popularity at age 38, as he prepares to defend Argentina’s FIFA World Cup crown in 2026.
Trending Queries Around Messi’s Tour
- Why did Messi’s Kolkata event turn chaotic?
- Did Messi meet PM Modi in Delhi?
- Who did Messi meet in Mumbai and Hyderabad?
- What is the story behind Messi’s 70-foot statue in Kolkata?
- How did fans react to Messi’s India tour?
External Links
- Lionel Messi – Wikipedia
- FIFA World Cup 2026 – Official Site
- Indian Super League – ISL
- BBC News – Messi India Tour
CTA Links
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