Tallest Messi Statue Unveiled In Patagonia As Fans Celebrate Record Breaking Tribute To Messi

A new Messi statue has been unveiled in Argentina, with local officials and residents in the Patagonian town of Cutral Co celebrating the latest tribute to Messi ahead of the football legend's 39th birthday.

Standing 26 metres (85 feet) tall and constructed from 70 tons of steel, the monument is now the largest known structure dedicated to the Argentina captain. The sculpture was created by artist Aldo Beroisa and took approximately 18 months to complete.

The artwork captures a memorable scene from Argentina's successful 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign. It portrays Lionel Messi holding his national team shirt while pointing toward the sky, a gesture long associated with his dedication to his late grandmother.

Beroisa said the project carried personal significance beyond its artistic challenge.

"He is Argentina's natural ambassador," Beroisa told The Associated Press. "For me, it was very important, not only as an artist but as an Argentine."

Cutral Co sees growing interest from visitors

The installation has attracted attention to Cutral Co, a town more commonly associated with the oil industry than tourism. Local authorities have reported increased visitor activity since the unveiling, with football supporters travelling to view the landmark.

The project has also surpassed a previous large-scale tribute to Messi unveiled in India. A 70-foot structure erected in Kolkata during a promotional event last year was later ordered to be dismantled after safety concerns were raised by local authorities.

"The statue of the Argentine football legend was found [to be] unsafe," said state legislator Sharadwat Mukherjee. "We have noticed that the statue is swaying in the wind."

As a result, the newly unveiled Patagonian monument now stands as the tallest Messi statue currently on display.

Landmark unveiled during another milestone year

The unveiling comes during another notable chapter in Messi's international career. Earlier this week, the Argentina captain scored twice in a 2-0 victory over Austria, taking his World Cup tally to 18 goals.

That achievement moved him past former Germany striker Miroslav Klose's previous record and established him as the tournament's leading scorer.

Messi remains a central figure in Argentine football more than two decades after making his professional debut. The latest monument adds to a growing list of honours and public recognition across the country, reflecting his continued influence on the sport and his status among Argentina's most celebrated athletes.

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