Football fans who bought tickets for Lionel Messi’s Kolkata appearance in December 2025 but could not properly watch the Argentine star will receive complimentary passes for the India-Uruguay match at Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan on 6 October 2026, the West Bengal government has announced.
State Sports Minister Indranil Khan said on Sunday that affected spectators would be able to collect physical passes on 5 October between 11 am and 5 pm. They will have to produce the paid ticket from the earlier event along with one valid government-issued photo identity document. The accepted documents include a Voter Card, Aadhaar Card, Driving Licence or Passport.
The passes will be distributed from designated centres across Kolkata and adjoining areas. The listed collection points are Mohit Maitra Mancha, Milan Manjari Community Hall, Udjapan Community Hall, Subhanandan Community Hall, Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan, Bidhannagar Municipality Sports Complex and Rajarhat-Gopalpur Swimming Pool.
Khan said the measure was being provided as a goodwill gesture in line with a commitment made by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari after the India-Brazil match held at Salt Lake on Saturday. “As committed by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Suvendu Adhikari dada, as a goodwill gesture, complimentary passes will be provided for the upcoming India vs Uruguay match scheduled to be held on 6th October 2026 at Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan to all football lovers who had purchased tickets for Lionel Messi G.O.A.T tour of Kolkata on 13th December last year,” he said.
Messi’s visit to Kolkata in December 2025 drew thousands of football supporters but was followed by allegations of mismanagement, overcrowding and preferential treatment for VIPs. Several ticket holders said they were unable to get a proper view of the footballer despite paying for entry to the event.
The compensation arrangement comes as the state government highlights its handling of the India-Brazil match. After that encounter, Adhikari said the administration had followed FIFA norms and ensured that ministers and police officers did not rush onto the field for selfies or photographs. He also said about 51,000 tickets had been released for the match, while nearly 20,000 seats remained vacant.
The Chief Minister thanked All India Football Federation president Kalyan Chaubey, the Sports Minister, senior police officers and the Chief Secretary for the arrangements. The government’s latest decision links the earlier ticket controversy with the administration’s effort to demonstrate tighter match management and improve the experience of paying spectators.
Adhikari also indicated that West Bengal was considering supporting the Indian football team in the future, on the lines of Odisha’s support for Indian hockey. The proposal could include sponsorship or other forms of assistance and will be placed before the state Cabinet.
The India-Uruguay match will be held at Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan on 6 October. Eligible spectators must collect their physical passes from the designated centres on 5 October during the announced distribution hours.