Ahead of the “GOAT India Tour 2025”, a 70-foot iron statue of legendary footballer Lionel Messi has been constructed by the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club at Lake Town in South Dum Dum in Kolkata. According to Sree Bhumi organisers, Messi will unveil his statue virtually in the Kolkata leg of his India visit on Saturday.
The club claimed that this is the biggest-ever statue of Argentina`s superstar. The statue showcases Messi holding the FIFA World Cup trophy. Monty Paul`s team is carrying out the finishing touches, and preparations to construct the surrounding area is also underway.
Sujit Bose, who is the West Bengal Minister, and Sree Bhumi Sporting Club said that the statue was completed within 40 days.
“This is a very big statue, 70 foot in height. There is no other statue of Messi this big in the world. Messi is coming to Kolkata, and there are a lot of fans of Messi,” Bose told ANI.
Referring to previous football legends who visited Kolkata, he said, “Before him, there were (Diego) Maradona, (Emiliano) Martinez, Ronaldinho (Gaucho) of Brazil; they all have come here. In Sreebhumi, everybody came.”
“We built this statue in 40 days. Monty Paul made it ready. People were saying that we have a statue of Maradona, so why won`t there be one of Messi,” added Bose.
A football fan 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. I have no words to express about him (Lionel Messi). The entire world knows Messi. It feels so great to see Messi play… We are awaiting his arrival. We are very excited.”
Another fan added, “First, I would like to congratulate and thank Minister Sujit Bose for making the largest Messi statue. This is the pride of Kolkata. Messi is God. He is worshipped across the world. So, I am emotional. We will see God the day after tomorrow. It will be like a dream come true.”
Additionally, Messi will walk the ramp in Mumbai for a cause during his India tour.
The sole promoter of the ‘GOAT India Tour 2025’, Satadru Dutta, told PTI on Tuesday that Messi, along with long-time strike partner Luis Suarez and Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, will feature in a 45-minute fashion segment on Sunday night.
“It will be a “philanthropic fashion show for a cause” Dutta said.
The Mumbai event starts at 5 pm at Wankhede Stadium, preceded by a Padel Cup at 3.30 pm at the Cricket Club of India.
(With Inputs from Agencies)
