Football superstar Lionel Messi has wrapped up his three-day India tour in pollution-choked Delhi, after a chaotic opening in Kolkata.
On Monday, thousands of fans gathered in a Delhi stadium to get a glimpse of the Argentina and Inter Miami forward.
As Messi, accompanied by Inter Miami team-mates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, strolled on the pitch - kicking balls into the stands, passing with a group of children and signing autographs - the crowd chanted his name.
His flight from Mumbai had been delayed due to fog, local media reported, and his itinerary had to be trimmed. On Saturday, angry fans vandalized a Kolkata stadium because they didn't get to see him during his appearance there.
Messi had a packed schedule in India, attending a string of promotional events in Kolkata, Hyderabad and Mumbai since arriving in the early hours of Saturday.
Before heading to Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium later that day, he virtually unveiled a 70ft (21m) statue of himself, assembled over 27 days by a 45-strong crew in the eastern city.
However, the tour got off to a disastrous start when angry fans ripped up seats and threw items towards the pitch at the stadium. Many had paid as much as 12,000 rupees (£100; $133) for tickets, but most were denied a view of Messi due to the disorganization of the event.
The ruckus made international headlines and raised questions about event management for high-profile visits.
Kolkata's The Telegraph also critiqued the situation, noting lapses in coordination and security that turned the stadium into a 'battlefield'.
Despite the challenges in Kolkata, Messi's visits to Hyderabad and Mumbai were largely successful, with positive engagements and a warm welcome in both cities. Meeting legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan added to the allure of his trip, which showcased the deep connection many Indians have with football.
