70-Foot Iron Statue of Lionel Messi Unveiled in Kolkata: India Honors the Football Legend

Kolkata — often called the football capital of India — has added another historic tribute to the sport by unveiling a 70-foot iron statue of Lionel Messi, believed to be the largest statue of the Argentine superstar in the world. Created by the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club at Lake Town in South Dum Dum, the massive installation has already become a central attraction for fans eagerly awaiting Messi’s virtual inauguration.

A Record-Breaking Tribute to Messi

The imposing statue depicts Messi lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy, symbolising his legendary 2022 triumph with Argentina.

Key Highlights

• Height: 70 feet
• Material: Iron
• Location: Sree Bhumi Sporting Club, Lake Town, South Dum Dum, Kolkata
• Claim: Largest Messi statue in the world
• Completion Time: Just 40 days

The final surface work is being carried out by Monty Paul and his team, who are also preparing the surrounding area for the official unveiling.

Why This Statue Matters to Kolkata

West Bengal Minister and Club President Sujit Bose shared the excitement surrounding the creation, stating:

“This is a very big statue, 70 foot in height. There is no other statue of Messi this big in the world. Messi is coming to Kolkata, and there are a lot of fans of Messi.”

Kolkata has a deep-rooted football culture and has welcomed global icons such as:

• Diego Maradona
• Emiliano Martinez
• Ronaldinho Gaucho

The city now adds Messi — at least in monumental form — to that legacy.

Virtual Inauguration on December 13

Due to security and law-and-order concerns, Lionel Messi will not be able to attend physically. Instead, he will virtually inaugurate the statue on December 13, an event expected to draw massive fan engagement across Bengal.

The timing is particularly meaningful with the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, making the tribute even more symbolic for fans.