Lionel Messi statue Kolkata celebrations lit up the City of Joy as the Argentine legend virtually unveiled a towering 70-foot monument at Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town. The iron statue, completed in just 40 days, shows Messi lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy and drew thousands of fans eager to be part of a historic moment for Indian football passion.
Messi’s virtual unveiling and fan frenzy
Joining the ceremony remotely, Messi was honoured as Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and West Bengal Minister Sujit Bose attended the event on the ground, adding extra star power to the festivities. The unveiling attracted massive crowds across Lake Town and nearby areas, underlining Messi’s enormous popularity in India and especially in football-mad West Bengal.
Fans thronged streets and viewing points to catch a glimpse of the celebrations, treating the occasion as much more than a statue reveal—rather, a citywide salute to the player many regard as the greatest of all time.
GOAT Tour India 2025 and Kolkata connection
Messi’s presence came as part of his GOAT Tour India 2025, marking his first visit to the country since 2011, when he captained Argentina to a 1-0 win over Venezuela in a friendly at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. His arrival at Kolkata Airport with close teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul sparked a frenzy, with fans lining routes and airports to welcome the World Cup-winning star.
Sree Bhumi Sporting Club President and state minister Sujit Bose said Messi and his team were happy with the statue, calling it a tribute to his extraordinary achievements and a source of inspiration for football lovers across the region. For Kolkata, long considered India’s football capital, the statue and the tour together reinforce a deep, enduring bond with the Argentine icon.
Gulf Repost covers the biggest global football moments through a regional lens—from Lionel Messi’s record-breaking feats and international tours to club milestones, fan culture and historic matches. By connecting star-driven stories to local passion across the Middle East and South Asia, Gulf Repost helps readers follow how the world’s game continues to unite cities and generations.
