Lionel Messi’s GOAT tour of India: Stadium chaos, a ‘missed wedding’, and a 21-metre statue

Lionel Messi's three-day promotional visit to India, dubbed the 'GOAT Tour,' concluded after a series of events that included stadium disturbances and the arrest of the tour's promoter. Despite the issues, the tour showcased the passion for football in the cricket-loving nation.

Messi's arrival on December 13 drew massive crowds eager to see the player considered by many to be the greatest of all time. The tour included stops in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. He was accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, and engaged in several high-profile appearances.

The Argentine World Cup winner participated in photo opportunities with Indian sports stars like Sachin Tendulkar and visited Anant Ambani’s wildlife rescue center. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. many fans expressed disappointment with the tour's organization, particularly at the Kolkata stadium event.

Messi's India trip followed Inter Miami's MLS Cup victory. His Kolkata appearance at Salt Lake Stadium was cut short after only 20 minutes due to chaotic scenes. Despite the issues, he later told a crowd in New Delhi that he hoped to return to India in the future, possibly to play a match.

While cricket dominates Indian sports, football maintains a strong following. Rajrup Biswas of Off Guard Sports noted the significant passion for football in India, suggesting Messi's visit would further boost the sport's popularity. Samiksh VR, an Indian football fan, emphasized that the country's large fan base is often underestimated, pointing to the strong support for European clubs and international tournaments.

That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. the domestic game faces challenges, with the Indian Super League season delayed due to federation and commercial partner issues.

The Kolkata stadium event was marred by violence and vandalism. Footage showed fans invading the pitch, tearing up seats, destroying goal nets, and throwing objects. Fans had paid significant sums to attend, only to see Messi's appearance cut short and his movements restricted by a large security detail.

Samiksh VR, who traveled to Kolkata for the event, described the scene as chaotic, with Messi immediately surrounded by security and others upon his arrival. He lamented that the event, intended as a celebration of Messi's visit, became an experience no one would want to repeat.

The All India Football Federation distanced itself from the event, stating it was a private event organized by a PR agency and that the AIFF had no involvement in its planning or execution.

Following the Kolkata incident, the event's main organizer, Satadru Dutta, was arrested. Police stated that action would be taken to address the mismanagement. Dutta was denied bail and remanded in custody for 14 days, and a committee was launched to investigate the incidents. Six additional people linked to Dutta's company were also arrested.

Prior to the stadium chaos, Messi participated in a meet-and-greet with 100 supporters in Kolkata. He also met Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan. Despite a flight delay from Mumbai to New Delhi due to weather, the tour continued with photo opportunities with politicians and celebrities, including Rahul Gandhi and Sunil Chhetri. Messi also kicked footballs into the crowd at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai and watched a friendly match.

A 21-metre statue of Messi lifting the World Cup was unveiled in Kolkata to mark the start of the tour. Messi unveiled the statue remotely.

Many fans were unhappy with the Kolkata event. One fan reported skipping his wedding to attend, only to be disappointed by the experience. Another fan stated he cancelled his honeymoon to attend the tour. Despite some positive moments, the Kolkata event negatively impacted the overall experience for many.