FANS have been flocking to see an incredible 85-foot tall Lionel Messi statue.
The incredible structure has been unveiled in his homeland during this summer’s World Cup.
A huge Lionel Messi statue has been unveiled Credit: Municipalidad de Cutral Co
Fans have been flocking to see the huge statue Credit: Municipalidad de Cutral Co
It features in a blue and white shirt raising his arm in celebration.
The remarkable statue is located in Cutral Co, a small Argentine city in the Neuquen region with a population of only around 40,000.
Several clips of the Messi monument have gone viral on social media.
Local chiefs are hoping that it can drive tourism to the area.
And they enlisted the help of Neuquen artist Aldo Beroisa to design the statue.
It is located by the National Route 22, one of Argentina’s busiest highways – meaning that plenty of Messi-mad fans are getting to see it.
The 38-year-old superstar got his side’s World Cup defence off a perfect start by scoring a brilliant hat-trick against Algeria in Kansas City.
Messi was visibly emotional after one of his goals, which led to some unwelcome speculation in his homeland.
Lionel Messi got his World Cup campaign off to a dream start against Algeria Credit: Reuters
Presenter on Argentine TV that Messi’s father Jorge had died aged 68.
A Messi family statement subsequently denied the report, leading to Florencia apologising and stepping down from her position at Luzu TV.
The statement began: “The Messi family reports that Jorge is going through a health situation. At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favourably within his condition.
“In light of the reports, rumours, and speculation that have circulated in recent hours, the family wishes to express its deep discomfort with the lack of sensitivity, respect, and decency with which some people have treated a situation that is strictly private and family-related.”
Messi will be back in action on Monday as his side take on Austria on matchday two.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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