Messi is coming to Kolkata, tall statue to be unveiled

Sports Desk

The king of world football, World Cup-winning Argentine superstar Lionel Messi will arrive in Kolkata tonight. During his three-day visit to India, he will unveil a 70-foot statue of himself in Kolkata, the largest statue of any football star in the world.

The iron sculpture, which is set up in Kolkata’s Lake Town, shows Messi holding the World Cup aloft. It is part of the “Goat Tour”, which will see him visit four cities in India and is likely to include a meeting with the Prime Minister.

The 38-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami superstar will unveil the statue virtually, rather than in person, for security reasons.
A fan zone called “Hola Messi” has also been set up in Kolkata, featuring a life-size statue of Messi sitting on a throne.
The interior of his Miami home has also been recreated, complete with mannequins of his family members.

Meanwhile, a huge frenzy has been created around Messi. Football fan Sameer Nandi said that getting a glimpse of his idol would be a “dream come true”, “Success alone does not make a legend. His determination taught me to believe in him,” said 64-year-old Nandi.
“This sculpture is a fitting tribute to him.”

The statue’s chief sculptor, Monty Paul, told AFP that the structure was built in 40 days. “It’s a matter of pride to be able to make a sculpture of Messi. It’s the tallest statue I’ve ever made,” he said.

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi will also meet Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly during his visit to Kolkata.

Before arriving in India, Messi said it was an honour for him to visit the country and meet the fans. “India is a special country and the memories I took with me here 14 years ago still remain — the fans were amazing,” he said.

“India is a country that is passionate about football, and I look forward to meeting a new generation of fans to share my love for this beautiful game.”

After Kolkata, he will travel to Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi. A concert will be organised in his honour in Hyderabad and he will play another friendly match.

According to reports, he is also scheduled to meet Modi in the capital. Messi won the Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the second time last week, after leading Inter Miami to the title and scoring the most goals in the league.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star will also lead Argentina’s mission to retain the title at the World Cup to be held in North America in June-July.