Lionel Messi’s legacy continues to grow, quite literally. Just days after becoming the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history, the Argentine icon has been honoured with the tallest statue ever built in his name, an imposing 85-foot monument in the Patagonian town of Cutral Co.
The steel structure, weighing nearly 70 tonnes, was unveiled to coincide with Argentina’s opening match of the 2026 World Cup. Created by renowned sculptor Aldo Beroisa over 18 months, the statue captures one of the defining moments of Messi’s career: his emotional celebration after Argentina’s dramatic victory over France in the 2022 World Cup final.
It also recreates his familiar tribute to his late grandmother, pointing towards the sky while clutching the national team jersey.
The tribute arrives just as Messi, now 39, continues to rewrite football history. His brace against Austria took his World Cup tally to 18 goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose’s long-standing record and adding another milestone to an extraordinary career.
The new monument also eclipses another giant Messi statue that briefly stood in Kolkata, India. That 70-foot structure, unveiled during Messi’s promotional visit with Inter Miami teammates in late 2025, was dismantled earlier this month after authorities deemed it unsafe due to concerns over its stability.
Messi’s influence extends beyond statues. A newly completed mural in Buenos Aires, painted with the help of more than 1,300 supporters, reflects the deep bond between the football legend and his country.
From towering monuments to community artwork, the celebrations underline one simple truth: Messi’s impact reaches far beyond the football pitch, uniting generations of fans through moments that have become part of Argentina’s sporting identity.