WATCH: Kolkata unveils 70-feet Lionel Messi statue ahead of GOAT India tour; Z-security deployed

Kolkata unveils 70-feet Lionel Messi statue ahead of GOAT India tour (AFP/AP Photos)

Lionel Messi is set to visit Kolkata on December 13 and the football-loving city has left no stone unturned to welcome the Argentine legend. The Sree Bhumi Sporting Club has built a 70-feet iron monument in the northern district of Lake Town, which it claims to be the largest statue of the talismanic footballer.

It shows Messi lifting the World Cup trophy, an elusive silverware which he finally won in the last edition of the showpiece event in Qatar in 2022. The statue was completed in just 40 days. Messi will virtually inaugurate it.

The arrival of Messi has left the city in a frenzy. The wait was described as "pure happiness" by several who purchased tickets for Saturday's event; some even likened the passes to priceless lottery winners. Many have already arranged their blue-and-white shirts, but others are racing to get brand-new ones from BC Roy Market, a busy center for sporting goods in central Kolkata.

#WATCH | West Bengal: A 70-ft tall statue of football legend, Lionel Messi has been built by Sree Bhumi Sporting Club at Lake Town in South Dum Dum, Kolkata. The Argentine footballer is set to arrive in Kolkata on December 13, during his G.O.A.T India Tour, to inaugurate the… pic.twitter.com/qcydyYtHbU

— ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2025

Preparations are also underway at the Salt Lake Stadium, anticipating large crowds. Authorities are constructing guardrails, posting signage, and cleaning seats and restrooms.

In a city that takes great pride in its love of football, Messi's return to both Kolkata and the stadium where he played 14 years ago has sparked enthusiasm among the locals.

The most renowned football player in the world will be granted Z-category protection with CRPF monitoring his movements and a green channel guaranteeing uninterrupted transit across the city.