When Lionel Messi arrived in Kolkata, the city did not welcome him quietly. Instead, it built something monumental. A 70-foot statue of the football legend now towers over Lake Town, becoming an instant landmark. But beyond its size and viral appeal, the statue tells a deeper story about football, culture, and India’s place in the global sports imagination.
Lionel Messi’s 70-Foot Statue: Where the Statue Stands and Why the Location Matters
The statue is located at Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town, a neighbourhood known for its strong community culture and love for sports. This is not a random choice. Kolkata has long been called the football capital of India, and placing the statue in a public, accessible space reflects the city’s deep emotional bond with the game.
#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal: Star footballer Lionel Messi virtually unveiled his 70-foot statue installed at the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town during the first leg of his G.O.A.T. Tour India 2025
He says, “It’s a great pleasure for me to have done this inauguration… pic.twitter.com/C6gjAh7qRG
— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2025
The location allows fans from all backgrounds to engage with the statue, not just as spectators, but as participants in a shared football culture.
Lionel Messi’s 70-Foot Statue: Why Kolkata Built a Statue for Messi
The statue was built to honour Lionel Messi’s extraordinary football journey and his global influence. It also marks his presence in India during the GOAT Tour 2025. For Kolkata, this was a moment to show the world how deeply football lives in the city’s streets, clubs, and communities.
This was not just about a footballer. It was about celebrating aspiration, excellence, and the emotional power of sport.
Is This the Tallest Messi Statue in the World?
At 70 feet, the Kolkata statue is widely described as the tallest Messi statue anywhere. While statues of Messi exist in Argentina and Spain, none come close to this scale.
The height is symbolic. It places Messi not just on a pedestal, but into the skyline, making him part of the city’s visual identity, even if only temporarily.
Who Built Messi’s Statue and How It Came Together
Local sculptor Monti Paul and his team of artisans designed and built the statue. This detail matters. Instead of outsourcing the work, Kolkata relied on its own artists and craftsmen.
The team completed the structure in around 40 days, working under tight deadlines. The effort highlights the skill and dedication of Indian artisans when given large-scale creative challenges.
Materials Used and the Engineering Challenge in Messi’s Statue
The statue is built mainly from iron, supported by a strong internal framework. Iron rods reinforce the structure, especially in the legs and torso, to ensure stability.
At such a height, safety and balance become critical. The materials chosen allowed the statue to remain sturdy while also supporting fine detailing, especially in the face and the World Cup trophy.
What the Statue Represents: Pose and Symbolism
Messi is shown holding the FIFA World Cup trophy, a moment that defined his career. This pose connects emotionally with fans across the world who followed his long journey to World Cup glory.
The statue does not show Messi running or celebrating wildly. Instead, it captures a quiet triumph. That choice reflects how many fans see him—not just as a player, but as a symbol of perseverance.
Who Paid for Messi’s Statue and Why That Matters
The project was funded by Sree Bhumi Sporting Club and local organisers, not the government. This makes the statue a community-driven initiative rather than a political or commercial one.
It shows how local organisations can create global moments when passion and planning come together.
Public Access and Fan Experience in Messi’s Statue
The statue is open to the public, and fans are free to visit and take photographs. This openness has helped turn the statue into a shared experience rather than a restricted monument.
For many young football fans, this may be their first close encounter with a symbol of world football greatness.
More Than a Statue
Messi’s 70-foot statue in Kolkata is not just about size. It reflects India’s growing confidence in hosting global sports icons and celebrating them in its own cultural language.
In a country where cricket dominates headlines, this statue quietly makes a bold statement: football, too, belongs here—and so does its greatest player.
