Lionel Messi will unveil a 21-metre (70-foot) statue of himself in India on Saturday as he embarks on a three-day tour of the country that has sparked a fan frenzy.<\/p>\n
The iron sculpture in Kolkata, which shows Messi holding aloft the World Cup, is part of a so-called GOAT Tour that will take in four Indian cities and a possible meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.<\/p>\n
The 38-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami superstar will unveil the monument virtually rather than in person for security reasons.<\/p>\n
A \u00abHola Messi\u00bb fan zone has also been set up in Kolkata where on display is a life-sized replica of Messi sat on a throne.<\/p>\n
The hall also recreates his Miami home, complete with mannequins of his family members.<\/p>\n
Football fan Samir Nandy said it would be \u00aba dream come true\u00bb to catch a glimpse of his idol.<\/p>\n
\u00abLegends are not made by success alone. It is his resilience that made me believe in him,\u00bb Nandy, 64, said in Kolkata.\u00a0\u00abThe statue is a fitting tribute to him.\u00bb<\/p>\n
Monti Paul, the statue’s main sculptor, told AFP the structure was built inside 40 days.<\/p>\n
\u00abIt’s a matter of pride to build the sculpture of Messi. It’s the tallest statue I have made,\u00bb he said.<\/p>\n
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will also meet Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly during his whirlwind trip to Kolkata.<\/p>\n
Ahead of his arrival, Messi said it was an honour to visit India and interact with the fans.<\/p>\n
\u00abIndia is a very special country and I have good memories from my time there 14 years ago \u2013\u00a0the fans were fantastic,\u00bb Messi said in a statement.\u00a0\u00abIndia is a passionate football nation and I look forward to meeting a new generation of fans while sharing the love I have for this beautiful game.\u00bb<\/p>\n
After Kolkata, where Messi will play a short friendly match, he will head to Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi.<\/p>\n
In Hyderabad he will attend a concert in his honour and play another friendly.<\/p>\n
He is reportedly scheduled to meet Modi in the capital.<\/p>\n
Messi won his second consecutive Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player award this week after propelling Inter Miami to the MLS title and leading the league in goals.\u00a0The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker is likely to\u00a0spearhead Argentina’s defence of the World Cup in June and July in North America.<\/p>\n by Sailendra Sil, AFP<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\nrelated news<\/h6>\n<\/p>\n<\/section>\n