Lionel Messi Statue In Argentina Triggers Debate Over Design And Approval
Messi’s giant statue in Argentina sparks debate among fans.
An 85-foot statue of football legend Lionel Messi has been unveiled in the remote town of Cutral Co, drawing large crowds of visitors while also triggering widespread debate on social media over its design and execution. The monument, crafted from around 70 tonnes of steel and iron, was officially installed along Route 22 and depicts Messi sliding on his knees in celebration, a tribute to Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph.
The towering structure, which reportedly took nearly 18 months to complete, was designed by local sculptor Aldo Beroisa. According to him, the statue is intended to honour Messi as Argentina’s global sporting ambassador and represents the largest monument ever dedicated to the national team captain. Beroisa said the project held deep personal and artistic significance, reflecting pride in Argentina’s footballing legacy and its most celebrated modern icon.
Despite the scale and ambition of the installation, the statue has divided opinion among fans and observers. Critics on social media have raised concerns about the proportions and detailing, particularly the depiction of Messi’s face and upper body. Some users also questioned the placement and presentation of the World Cup trophy in the design, sparking discussions over whether the monument accurately captures the footballer’s likeness and legacy.
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Local officials have defended the artwork, highlighting its cultural significance and its potential to boost tourism in Cutral Co, a relatively quiet oil-producing town in Patagonia that is not typically a major tourist destination. The statue has already begun attracting visitors eager to view the unusual tribute to one of football’s most decorated players.
The monument portrays Messi in a celebratory pose inspired by Argentina’s dramatic 2022 World Cup final victory in Qatar, where he slid on his knees after Gonzalo Montiel secured the team’s 4-2 penalty shootout win over France. It also includes symbolic elements often associated with the player, such as him pointing towards the sky in tribute to his late grandmother, a gesture he has frequently made after scoring goals throughout his career.
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