Lionel Messi will virtually unveil a 21-metre statue in Kolkata as part of his India ‘GOAT Tour’, which includes fan events and a possible meeting with PM Modi.
LIONEL Messi will unveil a 21-metre statue of himself in India on Saturday as part of a three-day tour sparking a fan frenzy.
The iron sculpture in Kolkata depicts the Argentine superstar holding aloft the World Cup trophy.
Organisers confirmed Messi will unveil the monument virtually rather than in person for security reasons.
The statue is a centrepiece of his so-called ‘GOAT Tour’, which will visit four Indian cities.
A “Hola Messi” fan zone in Kolkata features a life-sized replica of Messi seated on a throne.
The hall also recreates his Miami home, complete with mannequins of his family members.
Football fan Samir Nandy, 64, said it would be “a dream come true” to catch a glimpse of his idol.
“The statue is a fitting tribute to him,” Nandy said in Kolkata.
Main sculptor Monti Paul told AFP the structure was built inside 40 days.
“It’s the tallest statue I have made,” Paul said.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will also meet Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and former cricket captain Sourav Ganguly in Kolkata.
Ahead of his arrival, Messi said it was an honour to visit India and interact with fans.
“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.
After Kolkata, where he will play a short friendly match, he heads to Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi.
In Hyderabad, he will attend a concert in his honour and play another friendly.
He is reportedly scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the capital.
Messi won his second consecutive Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player award this week.
The Inter Miami star propelled his club to the MLS title and led the league in goals.
He will spearhead Argentina’s defence of the World Cup in North America this June and July.
