New Delhi: The first day of Lionel Messi’s GOAT tour in India was filled with excitement and chaos. The 38-year-old Argentine forward arrived in Kolkata just past midnight and began his tour the following morning.
At Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, a large crowd gathered to welcome Messi. However, the event, intended to last several hours, was cut short due to the overwhelming presence of politicians and VIPs, which hindered fans from seeing the star. This led to frustration among attendees, who began throwing bottles and chairs in protest after Messi was escorted out prematurely. Subsequently, the event organizer, Subrata Dutt, was arrested amid the ensuing disorder.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her apologies on social media, initiating an inquiry into the incident and promising ticket refunds to disappointed fans.
Hyderabad’s Warm Welcome
Following the turmoil in Kolkata, concerns loomed over Messi’s reception in Hyderabad. However, he was greeted warmly upon his arrival in Telangana by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. Messi, alongside fellow players Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul, attended an exhibition match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal.
The trio engaged in various activities, including kicking a football with Reddy, passing to local children, and signing autographs. Messi addressed the crowd, expressing gratitude for the affection shown by fans before concluding the first day of his tour.
Upcoming Activities for Messi
Messi’s itinerary includes a visit to Mumbai for the second day of his tour, starting with participation in the Padel Cup at the Cricket Club of India in the afternoon. He is also scheduled to visit the iconic Wankhede Stadium.
Following Mumbai, Messi will travel to New Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A felicitation event at Arun Jaitley Stadium is also planned.
Schedule: December 14, Mumbai
- 3:30 PM: Participation in the Padel Cup at the Cricket Club of India
- 4:00 PM: Celebrity football match
- 5:00 PM: Event at Wankhede Stadium, followed by a charity fashion show
Schedule: December 15, New Delhi
- Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- 1:30 PM: Event at Arun Jaitley Stadium, including the felicitation of Minerva Academy players
