Lionel Messi’s India Tour and the World of Football Statues
Lionel Messi, the renowned Argentine footballer, recently embarked on a special tour of India, visiting cities like Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. This tour, dubbed the “GOAT Tour,” saw Messi accompanied by his friends and former teammates, Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul. The first stop on their itinerary was Kolkata, where Messi participated in a meet-and-greet session and unveiled a gigantic statue in his honor.
The statue, estimated to stand around 70 feet tall, features Messi holding the World Cup trophy. It is considered one of the tallest statues ever created of a footballer and took a dedicated crew 27 days to install. This is not Messi’s first visit to Kolkata; he previously played in the city in 2010, when Argentina defeated Venezuela 1-0 in an international friendly.
The Best Football Statues
Football statues can be a mixed bag, with some being incredibly well-crafted and others falling short. One of the best examples of a well-done football statue is the tribute to Manchester United’s greatest players, Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best, and Denis Law. This iconic statue is even included in the Lego version of Old Trafford.
Another notable example is the statue of Bill Shankly, the legendary Liverpool manager, which features his outstretched arms and is a familiar sight for fans entering the Kop end. The statue of Lionel Messi in Buenos Aires, which depicts him waltzing past defenders, is also worth mentioning, although it was unfortunately vandalized six months after its installation.
Other notable mentions include the statues of David Beckham, Thierry Henry, and Dennis Bergkamp, all of which are located outside their respective stadiums. The statue of Eusebio outside the Estadio da Luz is also a beautifully elegant tribute to the legendary striker.
The Worst Football Statues
On the other hand, some football statues are downright atrocious. The infamous Cristiano Ronaldo bust, which was unveiled at the Madeira airport, is a prime example. The statue bears little resemblance to the footballer and has been widely ridiculed.
Other notable examples of poorly crafted statues include the Diego Maradona statue in Kolkata, which appears to have used a photograph of Bobby Ewing from “Dallas” as reference, and the Luis Suárez statue in Uruguay, which is made all the more amusing by its smaller-than-life size.
The Michael Essien statue in Ghana is another example of a poorly crafted tribute, with the same artist responsible for producing a strange, angular homage to the former Chelsea midfielder. The Ted Bates statue in Southampton is also infamous for its poor proportions and was eventually replaced the following year.
Conclusion
In conclusion, football statues can be a great way to honor the sport’s legends, but they can also be a mixed bag. While some statues, like the ones mentioned earlier, are incredibly well-crafted and a testament to the player’s legacy, others fall short and become a laughingstock. As seen in the case of Lionel Messi’s India tour, a well-crafted statue can be a great way to celebrate a player’s achievements and leave a lasting legacy.
According to ESPN, the statue of Lionel Messi in Kolkata is a great example of how football statues should be done. The statue’s massive size and intricate details make it a must-see for any football fan. As reported by ESPN FC, the statue took 27 days to install and is considered one of the tallest statues ever created of a footballer.
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