Football superstar Lionel Messi is set to ignite fresh excitement among Indian fans as he begins a three-day tour of the country with the unveiling of a towering 21-metre statue of himself in Kolkata on Saturday.
The monumental iron sculpture, which depicts the Argentine legend lifting the FIFA World Cup, stands as the centrepiece of what organisers have dubbed the “GOAT Tour” — a celebration of Messi’s enduring legacy and deep connection with football lovers in India. Although the unveiling will be done virtually for security reasons, anticipation around the event has reached fever pitch.
Ahead of the ceremony, a veiled version of the statue was spotted in Kolkata on Friday, drawing crowds and cameras. The project, which took just 40 days to complete, is already being hailed as a landmark tribute.
“It’s a matter of pride to build the sculpture of Messi. It’s the tallest statue I have made,” said Monti Paul, the lead sculptor, speaking to AFP.
To further mark the occasion, a special “Hola Messi” fan zone has been opened in the city. The exhibition features a life-sized replica of Messi seated on a throne, alongside a recreated version of his Miami home, complete with mannequins representing his family members.
For fans like 64-year-old Samir Nandy, the moment is deeply personal.
“It would be a dream come true to catch a glimpse of my idol,” he said. “Legends are not made by success alone. It is his resilience that made me believe in him. The statue is a fitting tribute to him.”
Messi, who turns 38 this year, said he was honoured to return to India and reconnect with supporters who have followed his journey for years.
“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 a statement. “India is a passionate football nation, and I look forward to meeting a new generation of fans while sharing the love I have for this beautiful game.”
During his stay in Kolkata, the Inter Miami and Argentina captain is scheduled to play a short friendly match and attend select engagements. He is also expected to meet Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly.
The tour will continue in Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi. In Hyderabad, Messi will attend a concert held in his honour and feature in another friendly game. Reports also suggest a possible meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the capital.
Messi arrives in India fresh from another career milestone, having just won his second consecutive Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player award after leading Inter Miami to the MLS title and finishing as the league’s top scorer. He is also expected to lead Argentina’s World Cup title defence next summer in North America.
As the GOAT Tour unfolds, one thing is certain: for Indian football fans, Messi’s visit is more than a spectacle — it is a celebration of a legend who has inspired millions far beyond the pitch.
