A towering 26-meter (85-foot) statue of Lionel Messi now stands in Cutral Co, a remote town in Patagonia, honoring the Argentine soccer legend during the 2026 World Cup. The monument, constructed from 70 tons of steel and iron, depicts Messi kneeling with the 2022 World Cup trophy and one arm raised.
Inaugurated on June 16, the statue has become a focal point for admirers and an unexpected draw for the oil-producing town. Sculptor Aldo Beroisa described Messi as Argentina’s natural ambassador and expressed the personal importance of creating the tribute.
The statue took 18 months to complete and commemorates Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory, a moment when Messi and his team achieved a 4-2 shootout win over France. It also features Messi clutching his jersey and pointing to the sky, a gesture he often makes in tribute to his late grandmother.
Beyond the Patagonian monument, a large mural in the Buenos Aires suburb of Berazategui has also garnered attention, featuring Messi's smiling face surrounded by the names of over 1,300 fans who contributed to its creation. Messi himself acknowledged the mural in a video message, thanking those involved.
Creator Leonel García emphasized that the mural was a collaborative effort, with people traveling from various towns to add their names. The hyperrealistic portrait, which took 18 days to paint, was inspired by a relaxed moment Messi shared after the World Cup triumph.
García noted that Messi brings joy to Argentina, uniting people across different social and political sectors during challenging times. The mural, he added, serves a similar purpose by bringing diverse groups of people together.