Lionel Messi, the Argentine soccer icon, has become accustomed to receiving monumental tributes throughout his illustrious career, yet fans remain in search of even more extravagant ways to honor his achievements.
This Wednesday marks Messi’s 39th birthday, coinciding with recent celebrations of his new milestone in World Cup history. Just two days ago, he became the all-time leading goalscorer in the tournament, surpassing former German striker Miroslav Klose with his 17th and 18th goals during a 2-0 victory against Austria.
In the remote town of Cutral Co, Patagonia, Messi was honored with an impressive tribute in the form of a 26-meter (85-foot) bronze statue. Created by local artists, the statue weighs approximately 70 tons, though its likeness to the soccer star has been a topic of some debate.
However, this significant honor isn’t the first giant statue of Messi, and his previous tribute faced unexpected challenges.
Massive Messi Statue Unveiled in India
Last December, Messi concluded a multi-city promotional tour of India alongside Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul. Among the highlights of the three-day “GOAT Tour” was the unveiling of a colossal 70-foot-tall (21.3-meter) bronze statue in Kolkata, West Bengal.
Reportedly the largest statue ever created of a soccer player, the installation took 27 days to complete. However, its immense height led local authorities to mandate its removal earlier this month due to safety concerns.
“The statue of the Argentine football legend has turned out to be dangerous,” stated West Bengal MP Sharadwat Mukherjee, noting that it was swaying in the wind.
Plans are underway for a safer reassembly location, but for now, a new, larger statue has been inaugurated in Messi’s homeland.
Patagonia Celebrates with the Tallest Messi Statue
While Cutral Co is known for its oil production, it has not attracted the same attention as other scenic Patagonian locales. Yet since the statue’s installation on June 16, visitor numbers have surged, coinciding with Argentina’s opening match in the World Cup.
Crafted by 61-year-old local sculptor Aldo Berosa, this statue also adds a personal touch, as Berosa has designed other notable monuments, including those honoring the country’s dinosaurs and independence heroes.
“He is a natural ambassador for Argentina. For me, that was very important, not only as an artist, but also as an Argentine,” Berosa explained to The Associated Press.
The statue, which took 18 months to complete, captures Messi kneeling on the grass of Qatar’s Lusail Stadium following Argentina’s exhilarating 4-2 penalty shootout victory over France in the 2022 World Cup final. In a nod to his late grandmother, Messi is depicted clutching his national jersey and pointing skyward, a gesture he frequently makes upon scoring a goal.
The tributes to Messi during this World Cup do not end here. A striking mural, measuring approximately 20 feet wide and 18 feet high (6 meters x 5.5 meters), has been painted on a parking lot wall on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. It features the names of 1,300 fans who traveled from nearby towns to contribute their signatures.
“It’s insane…thank you so much to everyone who supported us, who came, and who will continue to come to watch us,” Messi shared in a heartfelt video message to the mural’s creators.
Artist Leonel García dedicated 18 days to the mural, inspired by the relaxed demeanor Messi showcased during a friendly match after Argentina’s triumph in Qatar. “This mural was not created by me alone. Beyond my role as the artist, it represents over 1,300 people. Messi brings joy to the country…He unites everyone, and this mural does the same, as people come from all walks of life,” García reflected.
This story incorporates information from The Associated Press.
