West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced free tickets for India’s upcoming friendly against Uruguay. They are meant for around 22,000 fans who were left disappointed during Lionel Messi‘s chaotic GOAT India Tour event in Kolkata last year.
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Free India vs Uruguay Tickets: The Announcement
CM Suvendu Adhikari made the announcement after India’s 0-4 defeat to Brazil at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK), which drew 51,402 spectators. “We (the West Bengal Government) will announce a WhatsApp number through which they can collect their free tickets for the Uruguay match,” he said.
The government is expected to contact affected fans shortly with further details, including the WhatsApp number.
What Went Wrong at the GOAT Tour
Messi’s Kolkata visit in December 2025 was meant to be a landmark moment for Indian football. Instead, the event became chaotic. Messi reportedly spent only around 15 minutes at the stadium, and many fans never got a proper view of him because he was surrounded by politicians, security and VIPs. Frustrated spectators then invaded the ground and threw bottles and chairs, causing heavy damage to the stadium.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | India vs Uruguay (International Friendly) |
| Date | Tuesday, 6 October 2026 |
| Venue | Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata |
| Kick-off | 7:30 PM IST |
| TV | Sony Sports Ten 2 SD & HD, Sony Aath SD & HD (Bengali) |
| Streaming | SonyLIV |
Transport Arrangements
Adhikari urged affected fans to attend, promising “a good match in a disciplined manner.” He added that fans can travel home by metro or West Bengal Transport Corporation buses, which will run late into the night.
Why It Matters
The gesture offers affected fans a second chance to experience a major international match at the same venue. It also comes after a high-profile weekend for Kolkata, which hosted Brazil for the first time. The two-time World Cup winners Uruguay now arrive for India’s final match of this international window.
For more India vs Uruguay coverage and Indian football updates, check out our Football section on TechnoSports.
