After Lionel Messi Visit, Kolkata Gears Up For Another Football Carnival, Brazil To Face India In High Octane Clash

The All India Football Federation has confirmed that India will face Brazil in a highly anticipated international friendly match in Kolkata on October 3.

Brazil crashed out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 following a Round of 16 defeat to Norway. Neymar, Brazil's record goal scorer, recently announced his international retirement and he is unlikely to be visiting India with the Selecao.

Subrata Paul, Director, National Teams, said, "For our national team players, this is far more than just another match. It is a rare opportunity to test themselves against one of the greatest footballing nations the game has ever known. Experiences like these challenge players to grow, inspire them to dream bigger, and leave memories that stay with them throughout their careers."

Mr M Satyanarayan, AIFF Deputy Secretary General, said, "To welcome a team of Brazil's stature to our country is an extraordinary moment and one that will undoubtedly become a landmark chapter in the history of Indian football."

Lionel Messi Visited Kolkata This Year

The fixture will mark the highest-ranked opposition India have faced since the FIFA World Ranking was introduced in 1992, with Brazil currently ranked fifth. Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi recently visited India as part of a four-city tour. But Kolkata didn't have very smooth proceedings as chaos erupted at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium. Things got so bad that security personnel had to whisk Messi away from the stadium.

People vandalised stadium properties, and police resorted to a lathicharge in order to control the crowd. Argentina took on Venezuela in an international friendly back in 2011 and Kolkata is set to witness history once again as it stands.

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