Argentine Icon Begins Three-Day Visit Amid Massive Fan Frenzy.

Lionel Messi is set to unveil a 21-metre (70-foot) statue of himself in India on Saturday as he begins a three-day ‘GOAT Tour’ that has ignited excitement across the country.

The iron monument, located in Kolkata, depicts Messi holding the World Cup trophy, and will be revealed virtually due to security precautions. The tour includes stops in four major Indian cities and could feature a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In Kolkata, fans have created a “Hola Messi” zone, complete with a life-sized throne display, a recreation of Messi’s Miami home, and mannequins representing his family. Local supporter Samir Nandy, 64, described the visit as a dream come true, praising Messi’s resilience as much as his success.

21-metre (70-foot) statue of Lionel Messi in India

The statue’s chief sculptor, Monty Paul, said the structure was completed in just 40 days, calling it the tallest piece of his career.

During the tour, Messi will also meet Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan and former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, while participating in friendly matches in Kolkata and Hyderabad. A special concert will also be held in his honour.

Messi expressed excitement ahead of the trip, calling India a “very special country” and recalling the warmth of fans during his previous visit 14 years ago.

Fresh off winning his second consecutive MLS MVP award after leading Inter Miami to the league title, Messi will soon turn his attention to Argentina’s World Cup defence at the 2026 tournament in North America.