Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of football’s greatest players of all time, is set to unveil a 70-foot statue of himself during a three-day “GOAT Tour” in India. Fresh off a historic MLS Cup victory with Inter Miami, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will be joined by teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul for the fanfare, which begins in Kolkata this Saturday.

Monumental Statue and Fan Tributes

The colossal statue has been constructed over 27 days by a 45-strong crew and depicts Messi in a triumphant pose, celebrating his illustrious career. At 70 feet tall, the statue will be the centerpiece of India’s homage to Messi, with the tour also visiting Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi.

Fans will also be able to experience the ‘Hola Messi’ fan zone, which includes:

• A life-sized Messi seated on a throne.
• Replicas of his trophies spanning his career.
• A recreation of his Miami home, complete with mannequins of Messi and his family on a balcony.

Local fans expressed their admiration for the football legend. Shiladitya Banerjee, a supporter, said:

“He would be shocked to see how he is worshipped in Kolkata and across India. I am tearing up, but these are happy tears.”

Messi’s Career Achievements

Messi has scored 787 goals in 963 club appearances, earning 44 trophies for club and country. His legacy includes legendary stints at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and now Inter Miami, where he added the MLS Cup to his collection.

This is not Messi’s first statue. He was honoured with a bronze statue in Buenos Aires in 2016, and Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed plans for a statue at the Nou Camp. Messi joins the ranks of football legends such as Cristiano Ronaldo, who unveiled a statue at his personal museum in Funchal, Madeira, in 2014.

Global Recognition and the GOAT Debate

Messi’s ‘GOAT’ tour in India underscores his global influence and the ongoing debate over football’s greatest player, often compared to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Pele, and Diego Maradona. The tour not only celebrates Messi’s achievements but also allows fans worldwide to engage with his legacy in immersive and creative ways.

From the MLS Cup triumph to the unveiling of a 70-foot statue, Messi’s presence in India is expected to draw football fans in unprecedented numbers, cementing his status as a true global icon of the sport.