Lionel Messi poised for jaw-dropping 70-foot statue unveiling as part of whirlwind India tour extravaganza.
Lionel Messi’s eagerly anticipated return to India after 14 years is set to ignite football fever across the nation, with Kolkata leading the charge as the epicentre of celebrations during his three-day ‘GOAT Tour’.
The Argentine legend, accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul, will engage in a whirlwind of sponsor events, fan meets, and high-profile appearances spanning Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi from December 13-15.
Local authorities and fan clubs have mobilised massive preparations, from stadium clean-ups at Salt Lake to markets buzzing with Argentina jerseys, as tens of thousands secure tickets for glimpses of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Security has been ramped up with Z-category protocols, while the city’s football passion – long renowned – reaches fever pitch, blending nostalgia from Messi’s 2011 exhibition match with fresh adulation for his World Cup heroics.
That pinnacle moment arrives when Lionel Messi unveils a towering 70-foot statue of himself in Kolkata’s Lake Town, crafted by Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in just 40 days using iron and fibre by 45 artisans, as reported by the BBC.
Depicting the icon lifting the 2022 World Cup trophy, this structure – claimed as the world’s largest footballer statue – awaits virtual inauguration at 10:30 AM local time on Saturday, ahead of a packed Salt Lake Stadium show for 85,000 fans.
Artist Monty Pal’s team promises Guinness World Records contention, though early images have sparked online memes questioning its likeness.
For Kolkata, it’s a cultural milestone, with VIP meets, a ‘GOAT Cup’ match between local all-star sides, and merchandise frenzy amplifying the hype.
Critics note funding questions amid infrastructure needs, but fan ecstasy drowns out scepticism.
This tour cements Messi’s transcendence beyond pitches, turning Indian cities into shrines.
As 787 club goals and World Cup glory loom large, Saturday’s reveal could etch another indelible chapter in the GOAT’s saga.
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