It’s official. Lionel Messi now towers over Kolkata — quite literally.
The Argentine icon on Saturday unveiled a jaw-dropping 70-foot statue of himself in the City of Joy, cementing his larger-than-life
status in one of football’s most passionate corners of the world.
Messi, joined by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, virtually unveiled the statue from the Hyatt Regency in Kolkata, as fans across the city celebrated the moment with unmistakable fervour.
Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Rodri de Paul at the virtual statue unveiling of Messi at Hyatt Regency in Kolkata!
Video collected from Facebook! #IndianFootball #GOATTour #LM10 pic.twitter.com/qYAPNji8PS
— Khel Now (@KhelNow) December 13, 2025
#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal: Star footballer Lionel Messi virtually unveils his 70-foot statue installed at the Sreebhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town during the first leg of his G.O.A.T. Tour India 2025 pic.twitter.com/dYFPW7KsBg
— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2025
A Giant Tribute to a World Champion
Installed by the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club at Lake Town in South Dum Dum, the colossal iron structure depicts Messi holding the FIFA World Cup trophy — a nod to his crowning moment with Argentina in Qatar.
The statue has already become a magnet for football lovers, drawing crowds eager to witness a tribute few global stars can claim outside their home country.
West Bengal Minister and Sree Bhumi Sporting Club president Sujit Bose confirmed that Messi had personally approved the project.
“We have talked to his manager, and today we will talk to Messi… He gave his consent for the statue and they are also happy,” Bose told ANI.
Kolkata Rolls Out the Red Carpet
Messi arrived in Kolkata early Saturday morning, and the city responded in style. Thousands of fans gathered at hotels, streets and landmarks, hoping for a glimpse of the man they’ve adored from afar for years.
A Long-Awaited Return
This visit marks Messi’s first trip to India since 2011, when he played at the Salt Lake Stadium, helping Argentina edge Venezuela 1–0 in a friendly.
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