In Cutral Co, a town of approximately 40,000 residents in Neuquen province, Patagonia, thousands gathered before a 26-meter-tall statue of Lionel Messi on 15/7 to watch the match on a large screen. When the final whistle blew, the crowd erupted in cheers and fireworks, celebrating Argentina's comeback victory against England.

Residents and tourists gathered in front of the Messi statue in the town on 15/7. *Photo: Reuters*

Cutral Co first garnered attention in June with the inauguration of the Messi statue, created by artist Aldo Beroisa. The monument, which took 18 months to complete, captures the moment Messi knelt on the Lusail pitch after Gonzalo Montiel successfully converted the decisive penalty against France in the 2022 World Cup final, securing the world championship for Argentina.

According to local authorities and sculptor Aldo Beroisa, this is the largest monument globally built to honor Messi.

Weighing around 70 tons and constructed from steel and iron, the statue stands prominently beside National Route 22. The structure was inaugurated on 16/6, coinciding with Argentina's opening match in the 2026 World Cup. In that game, Messi scored a hat-trick, leading his team to defeat Algeria.

Beroisa, a 61-year-old local resident, noted that the town was previously less known compared to other popular tourist destinations in the Patagonia region. Since the statue's completion, Cutral Co has attracted an increasing number of tourists and fans, especially as Messi continues to shine in the 2026 World Cup.

Cutral Co town from above. *Photo: Rio nergro*

Before its fame from the Messi statue, Cutral Co was recognized as an oil-mining town located in the desert, described by Tripadvisor as an "interesting stop on National Route 22."

Visitors to the area can explore the paleontology museum, a Christ statue, and the Carmen Funes Municipal Museum. Tourist reviews suggest the Carmen Funes Museum is "a must-visit" in Cutral Co, showcasing some of the world's largest dinosaur fossils. The City Park (Parque de la Ciudad) is also a popular destination for both residents and visitors.