Global football icon Lionel Messi is set to ignite a frenzy in India this Saturday. He kicks off a highly anticipated three-day tour of the country.
The highlight of the visit is in Kolkata. Messi will unveil a colossal 21-metre (70-foot) statue of himself.
The iron structure depicts the 38-year-old lifting the World Cup trophy. Sculptors constructed it in just 40 days. However, security concerns forced a change in plans. The Inter Miami forward will unveil the monument virtually rather than appearing at the site in person.
Monty Paul, the lead sculptor, expressed pride in the project.
“It’s a matter of pride to build the sculpture of Messi. It’s the tallest statue I have made,” he told reporters.
‘Hola Messi’ Fan Zone
Football fever has gripped Kolkata. Organizers established a dedicated “Hola Messi” fan zone. It features a life-sized replica of the Argentine captain seated on a throne.
The zone also recreates Messi’s Miami residence. It even includes mannequins representing his family members.
For fans like 64-year-old Samir Nandy, the visit is a dream come true.
“Legends are not made by success alone. It is his resilience that made me believe in him,” Nandy said. “The statue is a fitting tribute to him.”
The ‘GOAT Tour’ Itinerary
Messi’s whirlwind trip is dubbed the “GOAT Tour.” It will cover four major cities: Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi.
- Kolkata: Besides the statue unveiling, Messi will play a short friendly match. He will also meet Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and former India cricket captain Saurav Ganguly.
- Hyderabad: The itinerary includes a concert held in his honor and a second friendly match.
- New Delhi: Reports indicate the tour may culminate in a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A Special Return
Ahead of his arrival, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner expressed excitement. He is returning to a country he last visited 14 years ago.
“India is a very special country, and I have good memories from my time there 14 years ago the fans were fantastic,” Messi said in an official statement.
He added that he looks forward to meeting a new generation of fans in this “passionate football nation.”
The tour comes at a high point in Messi’s career. Just this week, he secured his second consecutive Major League Soccer (MLS) Most Valuable Player award. He is also preparing to spearhead Argentina’s defense of the World Cup in North America this coming June.
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