Lionel Messi is visiting India as part of his GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) Tour. He has already visited Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai and is now in New Delhi. Messi, a world champion with Argentina and an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, is facing the final day of his visit to India on Monday, his first in the country in 14 years since his previous trip in 2011, with an agenda marked by extensive security measures. The final leg of the tour comes after the truncated event last Saturday in the city of Kolkata, where a massive gathering at Salt Lake Stadium had to be interrupted and the player evacuated after 22 minutes due to objects being thrown from the stands. A handshake and a photograph with Lionel Messi during his visit to India have cost his fans over 11,000 dollars, according to the official page of the experience's organizer, as part of his three-day tour of the country's main cities. The package, exclusive and with limited tickets, includes a personal meeting with the Argentine footballer, an individual photograph, access to premium seats for the sporting event, and an official Argentina national team jersey signed by Messi. Local media have reported that some private meetings with the player, organized behind closed doors for corporations and VIP guests, could have reached figures much higher, up to one crore of rupees, about 120,000 dollars. In addition to these premium experiences, events open to the general public are sold at prices starting from around 3,500 rupees (about 42 dollars), according to information provided by the tour's organizers. The controversy originated inside the venue, where thousands of fans denounced serious organizational problems after paying high-ticket prices and finding their view of the player blocked by a cordon of politicians, officials, and security personnel. As part of that investigation, the Police have arrested the promoter responsible for managing the event in the city, who on Sunday was remanded to 14 days of police custody, while regional authorities have announced the creation of a committee to apportion responsibility.
Messi in India: GOAT Tour and scandal with expensive meet-and-greets
Lionel Messi has concluded his GOAT Tour in India. The final leg of the visit to New Delhi comes amid a scandal in Kolkata, where an event had to be canceled due to poor organization and objects being thrown from the stands. Prices for personal meetings with the player reached up to $120,000.