Kolkata Prepares for India vs Brazil Match Following Messi Fiasco
· Sports · Times of India, Sportstar, Indian Express
Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium is under heavy security and intensive cleaning ahead of Saturday's football match between India and Brazil. The Brazil national team arrived in Kolkata from Australia on Thursday, greeted by strict security protocols that escorted them to a plush five-star hotel. Organisers have implemented stringent crowd control and transit measures, drawing lessons from Lionel Messi's chaotic 22-minute appearance in the city last December. Despite the visiting squad holding a light training session under manager Carlo Ancelotti, ticket sales have lagged at only 30 to 40 percent. Organisers point to high ticket prices starting at Rs 3,500 and residual hesitation from fans following the Messi visit as factors behind the low turnout.
Why it matters
The high-profile fixture brings a five-time World Cup champion squad to India, testing local event management and security infrastructure after previous fan disappointments.
Read the original report — Times of India
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