According to local authorities, Cutral Co city in Neuquen province inaugurated a 26 m tall statue along National Route 22.
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The 26 m tall Messi statue in Cutral Co city. *Photo: Cutral Co City Government*
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The 26 m tall Messi statue in Cutral Co city. *Photo: Cutral Co City Government*
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The 26 m tall Messi statue in Cutral Co city. *Photo: Cutral Co City Government*
Local artist Aldo Beroisa created the work and served as the project's lead. The monument is located alongside National Route 22 and Manuel Savio street, specifically at km 1,332 – a significant transport artery in the region.
The statue depicts Messi in the Argentina national team jersey, lifting the World Cup trophy he and his teammates won in Qatar 2022. The structure is built on a steel frame and covered with concrete, weighing approximately 70 tons, making it the largest Messi statue ever erected.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the city government emphasized that this is a symbol honoring Messi and the spirit of national pride following Argentina's world championship victory.
"This is the only monument we have dedicated to Messi. This country embodies peace, hard work, freedom, and religious freedom. We are proud to be Argentinians and world champions," the local mayor stated, adding that he highly appreciated the efforts of the workers who completed the project to attract tourists.
Argentina inaugurates 26 m tall Messi statue. *Video: X/TyCSports*
According to a statement from the Cutral Co government, the inauguration ceremony attracted a large number of residents, tourists, and football fans. Images of Argentine flags, national team jerseys, and an atmosphere of excitement enveloped the event.
One of the project's goals is to promote tourism in Neuquen province, attracting the interest of Messi and Argentine football fans to visit the area.
Local authorities stated that the new structure is not only a cultural symbol but also contributes to promoting tourism for Cutral Co – a city already recognized by Neuquen province as the "monument capital".
Previously, the world's tallest Messi statue, standing over 21 m, was located in Kolkata, India. However, Kolkata city authorities dismantled this statue after residents discovered the structure swayed in the wind, posing a public safety threat.
Key moments from the Argentina 3-0 Algeria match.
Messi is currently playing with the Argentina national team in the World Cup 2026. In their opening match, he shone with a hat-trick in the 3-0 victory against Algeria, breaking many records. Argentina will play their next match against Austria at 12 AM on 23/6, Hanoi time, where Messi has the opportunity to break three more records.
By Hong Duy (via Ole)
