Lionel Messi's highly anticipated "GOAT India Tour 2025" concluded in Delhi on December 15, after a whirlwind three days across four cities, marked by both ecstatic fan moments and significant controversy. The tour, designed to combine public appearances, cultural events, and football exhibitions, was Messi's first visit to India in 14 years. While Delhi greeted the football legend with confetti and high-profile meetings, the Kolkata leg of the tour descended into chaos, leaving a bitter taste for many fans.
The tour began in Kolkata on December 13, with Messi scheduled to attend a meet-and-greet session and virtually unveil a 70-foot statue of himself. However, the event at the Salt Lake Stadium quickly unraveled. Overcrowding, obstructed views, and a perceived lack of access to Messi led to widespread frustration among ticket holders, some of whom had spent a significant portion of their income for the opportunity. Reports indicated that Messi's appearance lasted a mere 20 minutes, further fueling the anger.
The situation escalated as fans began throwing bottles and tearing up seats, with some breaching security barriers to storm the pitch. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologized for the "mismanagement" and announced an inquiry committee to investigate the incident. Police detained Satadru Dutta, the event's chief organizer, amid allegations of serious mismanagement. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) distanced itself from the event, stating it was a private undertaking.
The subsequent legs of the tour in Hyderabad and Mumbai aimed to recover the initial setback. In Mumbai, Messi participated in the Padel GOAT Cup and a celebrity football match, also meeting with Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar presented Messi with his 2011 World Cup-winning jersey. The Mumbai event appeared to be a resounding success, drawing large crowds and generating positive media coverage.
The final day of the tour in Delhi included a meeting with high-profile officials and an event at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Messi's schedule included a meeting with the Chief Justice of India, the Army Chief, and the Argentinian Ambassador. He also participated in a football clinic with children and was felicitated by Indian cricketers. Despite a delayed arrival due to weather conditions, Messi's presence in Delhi generated excitement, concluding his India tour with a sense of fulfillment after the Kolkata debacle.
The "GOAT India Tour 2025" has sparked debate about the impact of such high-profile events on Indian sports and society. While the tour generated considerable enthusiasm and provided fans with a chance to see Messi in person, the events in Kolkata highlighted the challenges of managing large-scale events and ensuring a positive experience for all attendees. The AIFF president expressed concern that the Kolkata fiasco could negatively impact India's bid to host the 2036 Olympics. Some experts have also questioned whether the tour primarily benefited international agencies and sponsors rather than local communities.
