Lionel Messis popularity surges in polluted New Delhi

Football icon Lionel Messi wrapped up his India visit on Monday by taking a victory lap at New Delhi stadium captivating thousands of supporters and expressing gratitude for their overwhelming affection and backing.

The 38 year old Argentine legend waved to enthusiastic fans at the almost full Arun Jaitley Stadium a venue typically used for cricket with spectators in Argentina kits brandishing banners and calling out his name.

It felt wonderful to get all that warmth and encouragement. I sensed it beforehand but experiencing it directly was truly incredible Messi shared with the audience in Spanish adding that he would certainly return someday.

Wearing a pink shirt paired with dark trousers Messi captivated everyone with his charisma as he booted balls towards the stands and posed for photos with amazed officials and admirers.

Messi along with his teammates joined kids in a football game prior to receiving a T20 World Cup pass and an India shirt from International Cricket Council chairman Jay Shah.

India home to 1.4 billion people dominates in cricket yet faces challenges in football holding the 142nd spot in FIFA rankings.

Ex India football skipper Bhaichung Bhutia joined Messi onstage where the star autographed Argentina shirts for the local hero and his relatives.

His last event in India proceeded without issues unlike the disorderly start on Saturday in Kolkata where supporters damaged facilities after his short appearance disappointed the masses.

Tight security hindered fans from getting close views. Numerous individuals spent over 100 dollars on entry and in frustration they dismantled barriers and rushed onto the field once the icon suddenly exited.

In New Delhi on Monday countless thrilled followers overlooked the dangerous smog filled atmosphere to witness their idol.

I am thrilled to catch sight of Messi I have followed him since I was young remarked 29 year old supporter Sumesh Raina.

New Delhi and its vast urban area housing 30 million inhabitants often tops lists as one of the globe most contaminated cities owing to a lethal combination of factory fumes dense vehicle congestion plus waste and farm residue incineration.

Concentrations of harmful PM 2.5 particles exceeded 300 micrograms per cubic metre in certain New Delhi zones on Monday per IQAir data which is 20 times above the World Health Organizations daily limit.

Research published in The Lancet Planetary Health last year linked 3.8 million fatalities in India from 2009 to 2019 to poor air quality.

Messi currently in India for his GOAT Tour with Inter Miami colleagues Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul appeared unaffected by the noxious atmosphere.

He stayed cheerful engaging with supporters and football lovers during his 35 minute appearance at the venue.

Messi previously toured Hyderabad and Mumbai encountering cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and India football ace Sunil Chhetri.

The player recently earned his second straight Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player honour following his role in guiding Inter Miami to the league championship and topping the scoring charts.

The ex Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain striker will lead Argentinas effort to retain the World Cup title in June July across North America.