An Encounter with Messi: The Exclusive Experience in India
Lionel Messi’s visit to India has generated great expectation, and the opportunity to interact with the Argentine star has a considerable price. A handshake and a photograph with Messi during his stay in the Asian country have cost his fans more than $11,000, according to the official page of the organizer of the experience.
This exclusive package, with limited entries, includes a personal meeting with the footballer, an individual photograph, access to premium seating for the sporting event, and an official Argentina national team jersey signed by Messi.
Local media has reported that some private meetings with the player, organized behind closed doors for corporations and VIP guests, have reached even higher figures, reaching up to $120,000.In addition to these premium experiences, events open to the general public are offered at prices starting at approximately 42 dollars.
Security Device and Truncated Event
Messi, world champion and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, has concluded his visit to India, his first in fourteen years. The player’s schedule was marked by a large security detail.
The trip ended after the event last Saturday in Calcutta, where a massive event at the Salt Lake stadium had to be interrupted and the player evacuated at 22 minutes, due to the throwing of objects from the stands.
The controversy arose inside the stadium, where thousands of fans denounced organizational problems after paying expensive tickets and seeing how a cordon of politicians, officials, and security personnel blocked the visibility of the player.
Regarding this incident, the Police arrested the promoter responsible for managing the event in the city, who was sent to 14 days of police custody. Regional authorities announced the creation of a committee to investigate and determine responsibilities.
