West Bengal Minister Hails 70-Foot Messi Statue as Record Breaking
Lionel Messi to inaugurate the massive statue virtually on December 13; fans celebrate the tribute ahead of 2026 World Cup.
Kolkata, Dec 11: A 70-foot iron statue of football superstar Lionel Messi, claimed to be the largest Messi statue in the world, has been completed at Lake Town, South Dum Dum by the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club.
The statue depicts Messi holding the FIFA World Cup trophy, with final surface work and finishing touches being carried out by Monty Paul’s team, alongside preparations of the surrounding area.
West Bengal Minister and Sree Bhumi Sporting Club President Sujit Bose said the structure was built in just 40 days. “This is a very big statue, 70 foot in height. There is no other statue of Messi this big in the world,” he told ANI. He added that the timing was significant ahead of the 2026 World Cup and expressed confidence that Messi would appreciate the tribute.
Bose highlighted Kolkata’s rich football legacy, referencing previous football legends like Diego Maradona, Emiliano Martinez, and Ronaldinho who have visited the city. “People were saying that we have a statue of Maradona, so why won’t there be one of Messi,” he said.
The statue is set to be inaugurated virtually by Messi on December 13, as security and law-and-order concerns prevent an in-person event. Organisers hope the tribute will resonate with football fans across West Bengal.
Fans expressed excitement over the upcoming virtual inauguration. One said, “Messi is coming here, and we will be able to see him. This is great for us. We are delighted about the statue that has been made here. Messi is God. He is worshipped across the world.”
The project received support from the state government, with Bose acknowledging their assistance in completing the ambitious structure.
