Calm Conclusion to Lionel Messi's India Tour In the Wake of Kolkata Chaos

Global football icon Lionel Messi has wrapped up his multi-day India tour in smog-filled Delhi, following a turbulent opening in Kolkata.

On Monday, a multitude of fans assembled in a Delhi stadium to catch a sight of the Argentinian and Inter Miami striker.

As Messi, accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, entered the pitch – sending balls into the stands, playing with a group of children, and giving signatures – the crowd roared his name.

His aircraft from Mumbai had been held up due to fog, local media stated, and his agenda had to be shortened. On Saturday, disappointed fans damaged a Kolkata stadium because they didn't get to see him during his visit there.

An Intense Agenda Spanning Multiple Cities

Messi had a packed schedule in India, taking part in a series of brand events in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai since arriving in the wee hours of Saturday.

Before making his way to Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium later that day, he digitally unveiled a 70ft (21m) statue of himself, built over 27 days by a 45-person crew in the city in eastern India.

Troubled Start in Football-Loving Kolkata

The tour, however, began with a troubled start after disappointed fans ripped up seats and threw items towards the pitch at the stadium.

Football is extremely popular in West Bengal state – of which Kolkata is the capital – and countless devoted supporters had paid up to 12,000 rupees to attend the event.

However, the majority were unable to catch a glimpse of him as he was surrounded by officials and celebrities on his brief walk around the stadium and then rapidly taken away as the situation turned hostile.

"Inept organization of a much-publicized event, lack of co-ordination" and security lapses turned the stadium into a "scene of chaos", as fans – not allowed even a sight of Messi – "vented their anger by engaging in violence."

The disturbance, which captured international headlines, cast a shadow over Messi's first visit to India since 2011 for what has been termed a 'GOAT [greatest of all time] tour'.

The promoter in Kolkata has been arrested, police said, and a city court has ordered Satadru Dutta to 14 days in police custody.

Peaceful Events in Hyderabad and Mumbai

Messi's events in Hyderabad and Mumbai passed off smoothly, with fans showing their happiness at seeing the world-famous star online and in media interviews.

Messi also had meetings with several political figures and celebrities – Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan in Kolkata, political figure Rahul Gandhi in Hyderabad, and sporting icon Sachin Tendulkar in Mumbai.

In between these meetings, Messi could be seen acknowledging large fan crowds in stadiums and playing football with groups of children.

There were reports earlier that Messi would meet Narendra Modi in Delhi, but the Indian prime minister departed on Monday morning on a scheduled visit to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman.

The Source of His Immense Fame in India

Messi's popularity stems not just from his prolific international career and wide TV coverage of European football – he's the record scorer for Barcelona – but also the emotional connection that countless Indians have with what is often called the beautiful game.