From Sportstar · Neeladri Bhattacharjee · · 1m
Free India-Uruguay tickets for Messi Tour victims
West Bengal offers free tickets to India-Uruguay match for fans who missed Messi's chaotic Kolkata visit.
In brief
West Bengal offers free tickets to India-Uruguay match for fans who missed Messi's chaotic Kolkata visit. West Bengal will provide free tickets for 22,000 fans who missed Lionel Messi's interrupted tour of India to watch the October 6 match against Uruguay. Originally reported by Sportstar.
Messi Tour Fiasco
Lionel Messi's visit to Kolkata was cut short, leaving 22,000 fans disappointed.
“Lionel Messi’s visit to Kolkata last year was cut short, prompting anger from disappointed fans”
Free Tickets Announcement
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced free tickets for India-Uruguay match on October 6.
“West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday announced free tickets for the India-Uruguay international on October 6”
Ticket Distribution Plan
22,000 fans who missed Messi's event will collect tickets via WhatsApp number.
“we (the West Bengal Government) will announce a WhatsApp number through which they can collect their free tickets”
Stadium Attendance Context
India's friendly against Brazil at Salt Lake Stadium drew 51,000 fans below capacity of 85,000.
“an attendance of just over 51,000, well below the stadium’s capacity of 85,000”
Odisha Hockey Model
West Bengal plans to adopt Odisha's hockey development model for Indian football.
“we should think of doing so in football. Football means Kolkata, and vice versa”
Football Development Plan
Odisha's hockey success includes infrastructure, partnerships and grassroots development for Indian football.
“Odisha became the official team partner for India’s men’s and women’s hockey team in 2018”
Next Steps
West Bengal government needs cabinet approval for football support before implementation.
“any decision on the support will need the cabinet’s approval and cannot be his alone”
The essence
West Bengal will provide free tickets for 22,000 fans who missed Lionel Messi's interrupted tour of India to watch the October 6 match against Uruguay.
