Messi Set to Unveil 70-Foot ‘GOAT’ Statue of Himself in India During Spectacular Tour

Argentine football legend Lionel Messi is preparing to unveil an enormous 70-foot statue of himself as part of his highly anticipated “GOAT India Tour 2025,” a three-day celebration of his career that will take him to Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi in December.

The towering iron monument, constructed in Kolkata’s Lake Town area, depicts Messi holding the FIFA World Cup trophy and is claimed by organizers to be the tallest statue of the superstar in the world.

The statue was completed in just around 40 days by a team of artisans, and although the sculpture is finished, Messi is expected to inaugurate it virtually on 13 December due to security and logistical concerns.

The India tour marks Messi’s first visit to the country in 14 years and has ignited extraordinary excitement among fans. Kolkata, known for its deep love of football, has gone all out to honor the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, with murals, fan zones, and festivities scheduled around his arrival.

The tour’s opening leg will include a fan meet-and-greet, local masterclasses for young players, concerts, and exhibition matches alongside Indian sporting and entertainment personalities.

Messi’s itinerary also features cultural engagements and celebratory events in Hyderabad and Mumbai, where fans will get another chance to celebrate his legacy through concerts, football-related activities, and more fan interactions.

The tour will conclude in New Delhi on 15 December, where Messi is set to meet India’s Prime Minister and participate in a final GOAT Cup event at the city’s iconic stadium.

Throughout the tour, organizers hope to create a unique blend of sport, music, and fan culture, turning Messi’s superstar appeal into a nationwide carnival that honours his extraordinary impact on the game.

Sources: The New Indian Express, Mathrubhumi English, Odisha TV, and The Week