Bad air, big crowd: Fans say seeing Messi was unmissable in a city used to breathing poison

Amid GRAP-4 restrictions and worsened air quality, thousands waited at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi to catch a glimpse of Lionel Messi at the concluding event of the footballer’s ‘GOAT India Tour’.

The three-day India tour began in Kolkata, where it was marred by controversy. After the Hyderabad and Mumbai leg of the tour, the footballer came to the Delhi stadium for around 30 minutes. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, ICC chairman Jay Shah, and former Indian football team captain Bhaichung Bhutia were among those who met him.

Our air monitor showed the AQI at around 400. So we spoke to Messi fans to understand why they chose to attend the event despite the hazardous air. Many said that air pollution has become a permanent reality in Delhi, but Messi’s visit was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Watch our full video report.

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