Source TOI
KOLKATA, INDIA — Football fever has reached a crescendo in Kolkata as the city prepares for the arrival of global icon Lionel Messi as part of his “GOAT India Tour.” The Argentinian star’s visit, his first in 14 years, is being marked by an unprecedented tribute: the erection of a towering, 70-foot statue, along with the deployment of elite Z-category security for the ‘King of Football.’
The massive iron sculpture, claimed by its creators to be the world’s largest statue of Messi, was unveiled in the Lake Town area of South Dum Dum, Kolkata. Depicting the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner holding the FIFA World Cup trophy, the structure was completed in a rapid 40 days by the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club.
A Towering Tribute to the GOAT
The 70-foot (21-meter) monument serves as a colossal symbol of the deep and passionate football culture in West Bengal, which famously rallies behind the Albiceleste.
Height: 70 feet (21 meters), including the plinth.
Location: Sree Bhumi Sporting Club, Lake Town, Kolkata.
Depiction: Messi holding the World Cup trophy.
Unveiling: The statue is set for a virtual inauguration by Messi himself on December 13th, the day of his arrival, due to security and crowd-control concerns preventing a physical presence.
West Bengal Minister and Club President Sujit Bose noted the significance of the project, stating, “We built this statue in 40 days… Messi is coming to Kolkata, and there are a lot of fans of Messi.”
Security Tightened with Z-Category Shield
Anticipation for the visit has reached a fever pitch, prompting authorities to put in place an extensive security apparatus for the football legend. Messi is set to receive a Z-category protection shield, typically reserved for high-risk VVIPs in India.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will be overseeing the athlete’s security detail.
A “green channel” will ensure an uninterrupted, secure transit for his motorcade as he travels between his hotel, events, and the airport.
Security at the Salt Lake Stadium, where a star-studded event is planned, is being strengthened for the expected heavy turnout of fans and celebrities.
Messi’s three-day GOAT Tour is expected to cover four Indian cities, with a possible meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled for the Delhi leg. Despite the virtual unveiling of the statue, the sheer scale of the tribute and the massive security deployment underscore the iconic status Lionel Messi holds in the country.
