Messi's India Visit: A Whirlwind Tour Marred by Chaos and Timing

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Lionel Messi's recent visit to India was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the football superstar bringing joy to thousands of fans in three cities, while chaos erupted in another. In Hyderabad, Messi and Telangana's chief minister played a friendly match, while in Mumbai, he and his teammates engaged in drills with local children. However, in Delhi, his first stop, the visit was marred by freeloaders who ruined the experience for paying fans, leading to a chaotic scene. The visit, which was part of Messi's tour of India, was meant to be a fan-friendly experience, but the timing couldn't have been worse. The poor air quality in Delhi, which forced junior school classes to go online, and the subsequent delay in Messi's flight, added to the challenges. Despite the hurdles, Messi enthralled the crowd, showcasing his incredible skills, and even spoke to the media, promising to return to the country and maybe even play a match. The visit was also notable for the fact that Messi was a 'unicorn' - a rare breed of athlete who can perform at such a high level. His tour was not without controversy, however, as the event organiser was jailed after the visit. The damage to the Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata, which was refurbished at a cost of over ₹120 crore, is estimated to be around ₹2 crore. The incident has left a bad taste in the mouth, especially considering the state's reputation for efficiently managing large crowds at stadiums. The visit also highlighted the issue of timing, as it coincided with the arrival of other international athletes, including Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Noah Lyles. The timing couldn't have been worse, given the current state of Indian football, with the ISL and I-League struggling to attract commercial partners. The visit was also a reminder that India has a long way to go in terms of hosting high-profile events. In the end, Messi's visit was a mixed bag, with moments of joy and chaos. While it was a welcome distraction for the fans, it also highlighted the need for better planning and coordination in hosting such events. As the world of sports continues to evolve, India must learn from its mistakes and strive to become a more efficient and effective host for international events.