Kolkata: The spectre of large empty spaces at the Salt Lake stadium galleries loomed large for Friday's FIFA international friendly tie between Argentina and Venezuela, as only half of the tickets in the 1.20 lakh capacity venue have been sold so far.
"As far as our information and calculations till yesterday (Tuesday), more than 55,000 tickets have already been sold. But I don't know the upsurge or the conditions of ticket sales after Lionel Messi arrived in Kolkata," said Bhaswar Goswami, executive director, Celebrity Management Group.
Messi arrived in the city early Wednesday morning.
The prices of the tickets are considerably higher than the standard rates for soccer matches in the city.
The lowest denomination is Rs.700 and the highest Rs.5,000.
Soccer superstar Messi will make his debut as full-time captain of the star-studded Argentina team that will take on Venezuela in a FIFA official international friendly match to be played at the Salt Lake stadium.
If the organisers are not able to fill up the stadium, it will be an embarrassment for them as Messi is the world's highest rated player who will play a FIFA international match in the city during his peak form.
Soccer great Pele came to Kolkata when he was on the verge of retirement while Maradona visited the city after hanging his boots.
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