Sports must get priority over political, bureaucratic formalities: Bhutia
Brazil's star-studded line-up, including Vinicius Jr and Marquinhos, is set to face India in a friendly match at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, with veteran goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu captaining the Indian side.
Brazil football legend Cafu has advised the Indian national team to view their upcoming friendly against Brazil on October 3 in Kolkata as a crucial learning experience rather than just a spectacle. He emphasised the match's importance for India's preparation for the 2030 World Cup cycle and highlighted Brazil's deep connection with Kolkata, referencing Pele's historic visit. Cafu also discussed the future of Brazilian football and his unique World Cup record.
Brazil's legendary captain Cafu advises the Indian national football team to view their upcoming friendly match against five-time world champions Brazil as a crucial learning experience for future World Cup cycles, rather than just a spectacle. He highlights Brazil's strong connection with Kolkata and identifies promising young Brazilian talents for the future.
The police in Kolkata have arrested the organiser of the event surrounding Argentine footballer Lionel Messi's visit to the Salt Lake Stadium after chaos broke out when the superstar stayed only for a few minutes and was not visible to most fans in attendance.
India faces a challenging FIFA international friendly against two-time world champions Uruguay in Kolkata, aiming to recover from a 0-4 defeat by Brazil.
Brazil's head coach Carlo Ancelotti praised India's defensive organisation and counter-attacking efforts despite his team's 4-0 victory in a friendly match in Kolkata. Ancelotti highlighted India's ability to create difficult moments for Brazil and used the match as an opportunity to assess young Brazilian talent, expressing satisfaction with their performance during the international window.
Uruguay head coach Diego Forlan discusses the team's recent World Cup group-stage exits, emphasising the need for calm and confidence in rebuilding the squad. He highlights his philosophy of hard work, adaptability, and playing good football, while acknowledging the pressure of managing a national team with a rich history. Forlan also reflects on his initial games as coach and the importance of team cohesion.
The TMC and BJP have engaged in a blame game following a chaotic Lionel Messi event at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, which saw spectators storming the field and the main organiser being arrested for alleged mismanagement.
A newly-married couple in Kolkata revealed that they cancelled their honeymoon to catch a glimpse of Messi in Kolkata.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) issued a statement clarifying that Lionel Messi's event in Kolkata was a private event organised by a PR agency and the federation was not involved in the "planning or execution" of the event at Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday.
Lionel Messi's much-hyped visit to the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday lasted 22 minutes, just enough to underline everything that is wrong in Indian football and the state administration's mismanagement.
The chief organizer of the Lionel Messi football event at Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata, where chaos erupted, has been remanded to 14-day police custody. The arrest follows allegations of mismanagement during Messi's appearance, which led to widespread frustration and vandalism among spectators.
Vikash Dhorasoo, the first Indian-origin player in a FIFA World Cup, expresses strong belief in India's potential to reach football's biggest stage. Visiting India for a friendly match against Brazil, Dhorasoo highlights the importance of method, clear objectives, and leveraging players of Indian origin to elevate the national team's level. He also offers his coaching expertise to help develop young talent in India.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated arch-rivals East Bengal 1-0 in the Durand Cup opener, thanks to a decisive goal from Sahal Abdul Samad and a strong defensive performance led by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith. The pre-season derby saw Mohun Bagan combine clinical finishing with resolute defending to secure the win.
Messi has been accompanied throughout the tour by Luis Surez and Rodrigo De Paul. During his Mumbai visit, the football icon met Parth Jindal, owner of Bengaluru FC and co-owner of Delhi Capitals.
East Bengal secured their spot in the Durand Cup final by defeating SC Delhi 5-3 in a thrilling penalty shootout, following a goalless draw in regulation time. Captain Mohammed Rashid scored the decisive fifth penalty, sending East Bengal to their record-equalling 17th final appearance.
Lionel Messi's GOAT Tour began amid chaos and vandalism at the Salt Lake Stadium, but for former India players Dipendu Biswas and Syed Rahim Nabi, it still turned into the moment of a lifetime in Kolkata on Saturday.
Legendary Brazilian captain Cafu has urged India to shed its "tiny status" mindset in football and believe in its potential for growth, offering Brazil's cooperation. He responded to Bhaichung Bhutia's concerns about an India-Brazil friendly, emphasising the importance of grassroots development and international collaboration, drawing parallels with Japan and China's success. Cafu also shared his personal journey of overcoming doubts to become a football legend.
A 70-foot statue of football legend Lionel Messi was removed from Kolkata's Lake Town area on Monday after concerns were raised about its safety.
Substitute Enwer Annayev struck late as Turkmenistan's Ahal FK stunned Mohun Bagan Super Giant 1-0 in their opening Group C match of the AFC Champions League 2 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Tuesday.
Former Brazil captain Cafu discussed India's upcoming friendly against Brazil, highlighting the learning opportunity despite ranking differences. He also suggested India popularise football among children for growth, commented on Brazil's World Cup drought, and reflected on the evolving role of fullbacks in modern football.
The 70-foot statue of Lionel Messi in Kolkata, West Bengal, is set to be dismantled due to safety concerns after being found unstable in the wind.
Between 9 and 13 December, the Argentina Football Fans Club of Kolkata is turning Aikatan, a cultural hub just a short walk from Salt Lake Stadium, into a full-blown Messi fan zone, drenched in Argentina's blue and white.
Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi is not scheduled to play serious football on the 'G.O.A.T. India Tour 2025'.
Lionel Messi's programme in Hyderabad was in stark contrast to the mayhem in Kolkata as the second leg of the GOAT India Tour ended on a positive note thanks to thorough preparations, sound planning, and discipline.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday accepted Aroop Biswas's resignation as the sports minister in the wake of the controversy over the mismanagement of football icon Lionel Messi's event last week, a senior leader of the ruling Trinamool Congress said.
The All India Football Federation has fined Mohun Bagan Super Giants and ordered their next Indian Super League (ISL) match to be played in an empty stadium due to alleged spectator misconduct.
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi on Saturday virtually unveiled his towering 70-foot statue at Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town, Kolkata.
Argentine football icon Lionel Messi arrived in Hyderabad for the second leg of his GOAT India Tour 2025 on Saturday evening, after a chaotic start to the much-anticipated event in Kolkata.
Sports event organiser Satadru Dutta alleges that political interference, security failures, and administrative lapses led to the chaotic Lionel Messi event at Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata last December, claiming he was made a scapegoat.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has assured the All India Football Federation of full government support to host India's biggest-ever international football fixture against five-time World Cup champions Brazil in Kolkata on October 3. This historic match will be India's first against a top-five FIFA-ranked nation, offering crucial exposure to the national team despite initial concerns over crowd management.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has penalised Mohun Bagan Super Giants (MBSG) following spectator misconduct, ordering their next Indian Super League (ISL) match to be played without fans. The club has accepted a financial penalty but expressed disappointment over the stadium closure.
While most fans were left disappointed at the stadium, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan did get his moment with the football legend.
Messi's last visit with the Argentina team to India was back in 2011, when they faced Venezuela in a friendly match at Kolkata's iconic Salt Lake Stadium.
Lionel Messi's brief appearance in Kolkata was marred by security breaches and crowd management issues, raising concerns about planning and coordination. Eyewitness accounts and social media footage reveal a chaotic scene with organizers and VIPs crowding the player, leading to his early withdrawal and subsequent protests.
Political parties in West Bengal, including the ruling TMC and opposition BJP, have condemned the organizers of an event featuring Lionel Messi in Kolkata after it descended into chaos due to spectators' inability to properly view the football star. Demands for action and accountability have been made.
Satadru Dutta's rise was swift and ambitious. But that journey took a dramatic nosedive on Saturday.
Argentine superstar footballer Lionel Messi's touchdown in Kolkata in the early hours of Saturday sent the city into a frenzy.
Jamie Maclaren scored four goals as Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated Odisha FC 5-1 in an Indian Super League match. The win puts Mohun Bagan at the top of the standings.
