Lionel Messi will remotely inaugurate a 21-meter statue erected in his honor in India this Saturday, to mark the launch of a three-day tour which has mobilized fans in this South Asian country. The iron sculpture, installed in Kolkata, depicts the number 10 lifting the World Cup. For security reasons, the Inter Miami player and Argentina captain will not participate in the ceremony in person.
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The trip, called GOAT – an acronym in English for “the best of all time” – includes a visit to four Indian cities and could even lead to a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In Calcutta, a large space was set up for fans, with a life-size replica of Messi seated on a throne and even a recreation of the athlete’s home in Miami, decorated with mannequins representing members of his family.
For many Indians, the arrival of the idol constitutes an important milestone. “Seeing Messi is a dream come true. Legends aren’t just born from victories; it’s resilience that made me believe in him,” says Samir Nandy, a 64-year-old fan. Sculptor Monti Paul, responsible for the monumental work, said he worked 40 days on the construction. “It is a source of pride to build the statue of Messi. It is the tallest one I have ever built,” he said.
In an official statement, Messi underlined the symbolic importance of this trip. “India is a very special country and I have great memories of being there 14 years ago. The fans were fantastic,” said the former Barcelona player. “This is a nation that loves football and I hope to meet a new generation of fans while sharing my love for the sport.”
After Calcutta – where he will play a brief friendly match – Messi will travel to Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi. The local press speculates that during his visit to the capital, the Argentinian could meet Modi.
The trip comes just days after Messi won his second consecutive Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, an accolade driven by his role in Inter Miami’s title and leadership in the league’s scoring charts. The 38-year-old star is preparing to once again lead the Argentina national team to defend the world title in 2026, at the World Cup hosted in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
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