A breathtaking price for a moment with Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi’s three-day tour of India has unleashed a wave of excitement, chaos… and sky-high price tags. For thousands of fans, seeing the Argentine legend up close is a lifelong dream — but in India, that dream came with a jaw-dropping cost. According to the official event organizer, a single package including a handshake and a personal photo with Messi exceeded $11,000, turning the experience into a luxury reserved only for those with deep pockets.

That premium bundle granted access to a brief one-on-one encounter, a professional photo, premium seating at the main event, and an official Argentina shirt signed by the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. But behind the scenes, some VIP-only meet-and-greets reportedly climbed to $120,000, a staggering figure even by global celebrity standards.

Public events packed… but still expensive

Beyond the exclusive packages, standard public access wasn’t exactly cheap either. Tickets for open-air events started at around 3,500 rupees (roughly $42), attracting massive crowds eager to catch even a glimpse of the world champion. Messi’s first visit to India in 14 years was billed as a historic moment, and the excitement was visible in every city he stepped into — matched only by the heavy layers of security surrounding him.

But the tour wasn’t free of controversy. An event in Kolkata ended abruptly after just 22 minutes due to objects thrown from the stands, forcing Messi to be escorted out. Thousands of fans, who had paid high prices for their seats, complained about poor organization and restricted visibility caused by politicians, officials, and security personnel forming a tight cordon around the star.

A tour overshadowed by chaos and fallout

The fallout from the chaotic Kolkata event has been significant. Police arrested the promoter responsible for the venue operations, who has now been placed in 14-day custody. Local authorities also announced the formation of a special committee to investigate what went wrong and determine accountability.

Despite the surrounding turmoil, Messi continued his India tour with the same calm presence that has characterized his entire career. For many fans, even a brief moment — no matter the cost — was worth every rupee. But the staggering prices have sparked a broader conversation about accessibility, privilege, and how far fans are willing to go for a fleeting encounter with the biggest football icon on the planet.