The Lionel Messi G.O.A.T. India Tour, which began in shambolic fashion, ended in a blaze of glory as devotional fans joyously gathered to catch a glimpse of a man who does things on the field which are often beyond human comprehension.
Most importantly, the much-publicised and anticipated event had the ending it deserved after a chaotic beginning in Kolkata on the tour’s first stop on Saturday. The thousands of heads totting the stands at Kotla, as well as the few Indian celebrities and dignitaries inside the ground, basked in the euphoria of hosting one of the world’s most recognisable and bankable athletes at an extravagant event.
Speaking briefly in Spanish, a language not spoken by most in the city, Messi said, “Gracias Delhi! Hasta pronto”, creating a sense of yearning among the crowds rarely seen before.
Upon arrival, Messi took a lap of the ground smiling and watched the 7x7 celebrity match coming to an end, even as the spectators, many of whom were dressed in the famous blue and white Argentine jersey bearing No. 10, chanted his name continuously.
He was then standing there waving at the stands, smiling. He was seen kicking the ball at the stands, along with his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul while taking a round of the venue, which registered an attendance of around 25,000. Messi also felicitated the Minerva Academy football team.
Earlier, arriving here late after his flight from Mumbai was delayed due to inclement weather, he straightaway proceeded to the Leela Palace Hotel, where he had a Meet and Greet session with a select group of people.
Also read: Wankhede witnesses rare Messi–Tendulkar moment
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