Lionel Messi’s fever has crossed borders in a way that few sportsmen have achieved in history. After a historic season in MLS with the Eastern Conference championship, MLS Cup 2025 and many individual awards, the Argentina captain was invited by the Indian government to head a tribute with the unveiling of a monumental statue created in his honor.
The statue, erected in the city of Kolkata, depicts Messi lifting the Qatar 2022 World Cup and has aroused overwhelming expectations. The Argentine is expected to arrive on December 13, accompanied by those closest to him to head a ceremony that promises a massive celebration in one of the countries with the greatest devotion to soccer.
Lionel Messi statue in India will be over 20 metres high and will stand next to Maradona’s
Although there has been popular talk of a large-scale figure, the final statue is made of fiberglass and will reach 21 meters in height, making it one of the largest soccer representations in the world. Its design depicts Messi at his most iconic moment and even the greatest of his career when he won the 2022 World Cup and holds the World Cup trophy with the Argentina national team.
The location of the statue also has special symbolism because it will be close to the statue of Diego Armando Maradona, where two of the best soccer players in the world and of Argentine nationality will now be together, as well as two of the few soccer players who have managed to become world champions.
Lionel Messi’s ‘GOAT Tour’ in India: packed stadiums, parades and meeting with Narendra Modi
The tribute in Kolkata will not be the only event on Lionel Messi’s agenda, as he will begin the so-called “GOAT Tour”, a tour that will take him to Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi. The virtual presentation of the statue will take place at the Salt Lake Stadium, which has a capacity of 70,000 people.
The Indian press has also anticipated that there will be scenographic recreations of the footballer’s house in Miami, a symbolic throne for the world champion, a special match in Hyderabad with a 7-a-side format and even a fashion show together with Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul.
Finally, the tour will conclude with an official meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, once again reflecting the cultural impact Messi has around the world.
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