Lionel Messi is set to unveil a towering 21-metre (70-foot) statue of himself in India on Saturday as he begins a three-day visit that has already sent fans into a frenzy.
The massive iron sculpture, located in Kolkata, depicts Messi lifting the World Cup trophy and is one of the highlights of his “GOAT Tour,” which will cover four Indian cities. There are also reports that the football icon may meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the trip.
Although the statue is in Kolkata, Messi will unveil it virtually due to tight security arrangements.
To welcome him, a “Hola Messi” fan zone has been created in the city, featuring a life-sized replica of the superstar seated on a throne. The exhibit also includes a recreated version of Messi’s Miami home, complete with mannequins resembling his family members.
Local football enthusiast Samir Nandy, 64, described the moment as surreal.
“Legends are not made by success alone. It is his resilience that made me believe in him. The statue is a fitting tribute,” Samir Nandy.
Monty Paul, the lead sculptor behind the monument, told AFP he completed the structure in just 40 days.
“It’s a matter of pride to build Messi’s sculpture. It’s the tallest statue I’ve made,” Monty Paul
Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, is expected to meet Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan and former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly while in Kolkata. He will also participate in a short friendly match before heading to Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi.
In Hyderabad, the Argentine star will attend a concert held in his honour and also feature in another friendly game. A meeting with Prime Minister Modi is also reportedly on the agenda when he arrives in New Delhi.
Ahead of the tour, Messi expressed delight at returning to India.
“India is a very special country, and I have good memories from my time there 14 years ago. The fans were fantastic. I look forward to meeting a new generation of fans,” Lionel Messi.
Messi arrives in India fresh off winning his second consecutive MLS Most Valuable Player award after leading Inter Miami to the league title and finishing as top scorer. Later in the year, he will lead Argentina in their quest to defend the World Cup trophy during the June–July tournament in North America.
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