Argentine football icon Lionel Messi is currently on his highly anticipated 3-day 'GOAT India' tour, a visit that has ignited immense excitement among football enthusiasts across the nation. As a brand ambassador for UNICEF, Messi's tour is designed to cover four major cities in India, aiming to promote sports awareness and advocate for child welfare. The initial day of his tour was a mix of memorable moments and unexpected controversies in Kolkata and Hyderabad.
Kolkata's Grand Welcome and Unforeseen Chaos
Messi's Indian journey commenced with his late-night arrival at Kolkata Airport around 2:30 AM on Saturday, while he was greeted by a throng of enthusiastic fans and a blaze of media attention. Later, at 11 AM, he virtually inaugurated his impressive 70-foot-tall statue, an event graced by the presence of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. This moment marked a significant occasion in Indian football history, underscoring Messi's global appeal and his vast fan base in India. However, the interaction with fans at the Salt Lake Stadium didn't unfold as smoothly as planned. Messi, who was scheduled to stay for approximately an hour, departed after only 22 minutes. This abrupt exit led to widespread disappointment and anger among the fans, who reacted by throwing chairs and causing vandalism within the stadium, leading to a stampede-like situation.
Administrative Response and Apology
Following the unfortunate incident in Kolkata, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was compelled to issue a public apology, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Javed Shamim, the ADG Law & Order for the state, confirmed the. Arrest of Satadru Dutta, identified as the main organizer of the event. The organizers have also pledged to refund the ticket money to the fans who were affected by the unpleasant turn of events. The Indian Football Federation further clarified that they weren't involved in organizing the event, which added to the pressure on the organizers. This incident brought to light potential shortcomings in the organizers' preparations and crowd management strategies.
Governor's Concern Over Ticket Pricing
Even before Messi's event in Kolkata, a controversy had erupted regarding the exorbitant prices of the tickets. West Bengal Governor C. V. Ananda Bose had requested a detailed report from the state government concerning the preparations for the event. This action was prompted by numerous complaints from fans, who reached out through calls and emails to the Lok Bhavan, expressing that the ticket prices were beyond their reach, preventing them from witnessing their favorite player, while the Governor's intervention aimed to ensure that public concerns were taken seriously and to promote greater transparency and accessibility in future events of this nature.
Hyderabad Leg: Fan Interaction and Meeting with Rahul Gandhi
After departing from Kolkata, Messi headed to Hyderabad, arriving around 5 PM after a 2 PM flight. His reception in Hyderabad was notably calmer and more organized. He arrived at the Uppal Stadium at 8 PM, where he engaged with the crowd by throwing footballs alongside his teammates, Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suarez. The stadium was filled with electrifying energy as fans cheered enthusiastically, while during his time in Hyderabad, Messi also met with Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, adding a political dimension to his tour. This meeting underscored an intriguing connection between Indian politics and the world of sports.
Mumbai Today: Anticipated Meetings with Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Chhetri
On the second day of his tour, Messi is in Mumbai, where he's scheduled to meet Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and the captain of the Indian national football team, Sunil Chhetri. This highly anticipated meeting is expected to take place at the Wankhede Stadium, with several other prominent celebrities also likely to attend. This event promises to be a historic moment for Indian sports enthusiasts, bringing together two of the greatest athletes from different sporting disciplines. The encounter between Sachin Tendulkar and Lionel Messi is set to become a memorable highlight in the world of sports.
Tour Concludes with Meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Messi's 'GOAT India' tour will culminate on December 15 with a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. This meeting will be a significant milestone of his tour, symbolizing India's embrace of sports diplomacy and the welcoming of global icons. The tour has not only provided an unforgettable experience for Messi's fans but has also highlighted the growing passion for football in India and the potential for sports to convey social messages. Messi's visit is poised to leave an indelible mark on the Indian sporting landscape.
