India is gearing up for one of its most exciting sports moments in years as Lionel Messi is set to arrive for a three-day “GOAT Tour.” The biggest highlight from this tour is going to be when Messi unveils a massive 21-metre (70-foot) statue of himself on Saturday in Kolkata. The statue is going to showcase the moment when Messi lifted the FIFA World Cup.
This statue unveiling will take place in Kolkata, and Kolkata has gone all out for the event. They have set up a “Hola Messi” fan zone, where a throne wearing a life-sized Messi replica sits. They have also recreated his Miami home indoors, with mannequins of his family members. This statue was created by Monty Paul, and he built this in just 40 days, saying it was “a matter of pride” and the tallest piece he has ever created.
Every single football fan in India is excited to witness this great event. One Kolkata supporter said seeing Messi in India again would be “a dream come true,” further stating that the statue is the perfect tribute to a player who has inspired millions with his journey
Lionel Messi’s India tour won’t stop at Kolkata; after playing a short friendly match there, he’ll travel to Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. He is reportedly set to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, and is likely to connect with stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Sourav Ganguly.
Before Messi even arrived in India, he shared a heartfelt message saying he remembers India fondly and is excited to meet a new generation of fans. After recently winning the MLS MVP, and another World Cup ahead, this was the perfect time Lionel Messi believes that he would have visit India.