NEW DELHI: The Lionel Messi GOAT India Tour, which began amid confusion and setbacks, ultimately concluded on a triumphant note as ecstatic fans thronged the venue for a glimpse of a footballing icon whose brilliance often defies human limits.

After a chaotic opening in Kolkata, the highly anticipated tour delivered the fairytale finish it had promised. At the Kotla, packed stands came alive as thousands of supporters, along with Indian celebrities and dignitaries, soaked in the spectacle of welcoming one of the world's most recognisable and commercially powerful athletes.

The atmosphere was charged with awe and admiration, as fans celebrated not just Messi's extraordinary talent, but also his humility and the profound influence he has had on the sport over the past two decades.

Speaking briefly in Spanish, a language not spoken by most in the city, Messi said, "Gracias Delhi! Hasta pronto", creating a sense of yearning among the crowds rarely seen before.

Upon his arrival, Messi smiled as he took a lap around the ground and then watched the 7x7 celebrity match draw to a close, while spectators - many clad in Argentina's iconic blue-and-white No. 10 jersey - chanted his name without pause.

He was then standing there waving to the stands smiling, something he tried to do in Kolkata too but could not as, unlike the Arun Jaitley Stadium, he was crowded by too many people, including politicians and their aides, at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday.

He was seen kicking the ball at the stands along with his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul while taking a round of the venue that registered an attendance of around 25000.

Messi also felicitated the Minerva Academy football team.

The script was specifically written for Messi, and, as is his wont, he played the role to perfection.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, ICC Chairman Jay Shah, DDCA President Rohan Jaitley and former Indian football team captain Bhaichung Bhutia had the privilege to be with Messi towards the end of the 30-minute event.

Earlier in the day, Messi arrived here for the final leg of his G.O.A.T India Tour after his flight from Mumbai was delayed considerably due to inclement weather.

Messi, who was in Mumbai for the second day of his three-day whirlwind trip to India, was to land in the national capital around 10:45am but his charter flight was held up due to foggy conditions here.

He landed at the Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport around 2:30pm, and straightaway proceeded to the Leela Palace Hotel where he had a Meet and Greet session with a select group of people.

(With PTI Inputs)