New Delhi, (EFE).
A handshake and a photograph with Lionel Messi during his visit to India cost his fans over $11,000, according to the official website of the organizers of his three-day trip which concludes Monday.
The exclusive package with limited tickets includes a personal meeting with the Argentine footballer, an individual photograph, access to premium seats for a stadium event and an official shirt of the Argentine national team signed by Messi.
Local media have reported that some private meetings with the player, organized behind closed doors for corporations and VIP guests, would have reached much higher figures, up to 10,000,000 rupees, equivalent to about $120,000.
In addition to these premium experiences, events open to the general public are marketed at prices starting from around 3,500 rupees (about $42), according to information provided by the tour organization.
Messi, soccer world cup winner with Argentina and eight times winner of the Ballon d’Or, kicked off his visit to India on Saturday, the first in the country in 14 years, with a tight security rolled out for him.
The first day at Kolkata witnessed the event at the Salt Lake Stadium being called off 22 minutes into the soccer star’s entry after objects were thrown from the stands as fans expressed their displeasure over alleged mismanagement.
Fans reported serious organizational problems after paying high-cost tickets and seeing a cordon of politicians, officials and security personnel block the player’s visibility from the stands.
Messi’s next stops in Hyderabad and Mumbai went as planned, and the final stretch takes place in New Delhi on Monday.
The authorities have launched an investigation into the incident and the promoter responsible for managing the event in the city has been arrested and sent to 14 days of police custody.
