Footballer Lionel Messi remotely “unveiled” a 21-metre statue of himself in India on Saturday, marking the beginning of a three-day tour that has sparked a fan frenzy.
The iron sculpture in Kolkata, which shows Messi holding the World Cup, is part of a “GOAT” (greatest of all time) tour that will take in four Indian cities and, possibly, a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The 38-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami superstar unveiled the monument by remote control rather than in person for security reasons.
Chaotic start to tour
The tour began on a chaotic note on Saturday, when fans ripped up seats and threw them on to the pitch after Messi's brief visit to the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, the ANI news agency reported.
According to reports in Indian media, the 2022 World Cup winner walked around the pitch waving to the fans, but was closely surrounded by a large group of people and left 20 minutes after arrival.
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Kolkata, Dec 13 (ANI): A fan waves the Indian National Flag as Argentine footballer Lionel Messi virtually unveils his 70-foot-tall statue installed at the Sreebhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town, during his G.O.A.T India Tour 2025, in Kolkata on Saturday. (ANI Photo)No Use India. -
Lionel Messi will unveil a 70-foot statue of himself in India on December 13 as he embarks on a three-day trip of the country that has sparked a fan frenzy. AFP -
Commuters cross promotional posters and veiled statue of Inter Miami's Argentine forward #10 Lionel Messi, on the eve of his visit, in Kolkata. AFP -
Young fans carry posters of Inter Miami's Argentine forward #10 Lionel Messi, on the eve of his visit, in Kolkata. AFP -
Indian artist Swapan Das paints a portrait of Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi on street in anticipation of his visit to the city in Kolkata. AP -
Commuters cross promotional posters of Inter Miami's Argentine forward #10 Lionel Messi, on the eve of his visit, in Kolkata. AFP
Many ticket-holders reportedly failed to see Messi at all – either in person or on the stadium’s big screens – despite waiting for hours.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologised to the Argentine star for the “mismanagement” of the event.
“I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium,” Ms Banerjee wrote on social media, where she also apologised to fans who had expected more after paying for tickets.
She said a committee would be formed to “conduct a detailed inquiry into the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.”
Indian fans prepare to welcome star
A “Hola Messi” fan zone has also been set up in Kolkata where a life-size replica of Messi sitting on a throne is on display. The hall also recreates the forward's Miami home, complete with mannequins of his relatives.
Monti Paul, the statue's main sculptor, told AFP that it was constructed in less than 40 days. “It's a matter of pride to build the sculpture of Messi. It's the tallest statue I have made,” he said.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner will also meet Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly during his whirlwind trip to Kolkata.
The city is the capital of West Bengal state, which along with Kerala and Goa, has an established and significant football fan base in a country otherwise known for its cricket craze.
After Kolkata, where Messi will play a short friendly match, he will head 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 Mr Modi in New Delhi.
