India unveils giant statue of visiting football legend (VIDEO)
The 70-foot monument to Argentine star Lionel Messi was revealed amid a fan frenzy in Kolkata
India has unveiled a giant 70-foot statue of Lionel Messi as the Argentine football legend started a tour of the South Asian country amid a fan frenzy and chaotic scenes.
Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain began what has been dubbed as the ‘GOAT tour’ of India on December 13 from the eastern city of Kolkata, where angry fans created a ruckus protesting that his appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium had been too brief.
Messi visited Mumbai on Sunday, where he exchanged jerseys with Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. He also made an appearance in the southern city of Hyderabad.
The Argentine legend is in New Delhi on Monday. Security has been increased in the Indian capital for the visit.
Huge Messi statue unveiled in Kolkata for his 'GOAT Tour' of India pic.twitter.com/fTOY5WhHgl
— RT (@RT_com) December 13, 2025
The crowd in the eastern city of Kolkata threw ripped-up seats and invaded the pitch after Messi, along with his Inter Miami co-star Luis Suarez and fellow Argentine Rodrigo De Paul, was escorted out of the stadium.
Messi barely completed a lap of the venue and was tightly cordoned, resulting in fans being unable to get a clear view, according to reports.
Indian Tendulkar giving his jersey to messi Happy movement.pic.twitter.com/bv6PBBm6Wa
— Mr Dude (@MrDude079) December 14, 2025
Messi barely completed a lap of the venue and was tightly cordoned, resulting in fans being unable to get a clear view, according to reports.
The All India Football Federation said it was not involved in the event’s planning.
Kolkata has previously hosted football legends Pele and Diego Maradona.
India has won the rights to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and is looking to make a bid for the summer Olympics.