A massive 26-meter statue of Lionel Messi has been unveiled in the Argentine town of Cutral Có, weighing 70 tons and serving as a prominent tribute to the World Cup winner ahead of the 2026 tournament.
The monument, located in the southwestern town of approximately 35,000 residents, highlights the enduring popularity of the 38-year-old forward as he enters what is widely considered his final World Cup appearance.
The unveiling coincides with heightened global attention on Argentina's campaign, following Messi's commanding performance in the tournament opener where he scored a hat-trick to secure a strong start for the national team.
The statue serves as a physical manifestation of the player's status in his home country, where support remains fervent despite the aging of the squad's star player.
While the monument is a cultural event rather than a market-moving development, it reflects the broader commercial and media intensity surrounding the 2026 World Cup.
The tournament has already generated significant engagement, with contrasting narratives emerging around veteran stars such as Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, whose respective campaigns are drawing intense scrutiny from fans and analysts alike.