KOLKATA: West Bengal minister and Sree Bhumi Sporting Club President Sujit Bose on Saturday said that football icon Lionel Messi and his team are happy with the 70-foot statue installed at the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town, Kolkata. Messi, who is in the city to kick off his GOAT Tour India 2025, is scheduled to virtually unveil the statue today.The Sree Bhumi Sporting Club has unveiled a towering 70-foot iron statue of Argentine football legend Lionel Messi at Lake Town in South Dum Dum, Kolkata.The statue depicts Messi holding the FIFA World Cup trophy, celebrating his historic triumph, and has already captured the attention of football fans citywide and beyond. Messi himself will virtually unveil the statue, heightening the excitement ahead of his visit.Speaking to ANI, Sujit Bose said that Messi and his team had given their consent for the statue and expressed their happiness after seeing it. He added that the club has been in constant touch with Messi’s management and that further interaction with the footballer is expected.“We have talked to his manager, and today we will talk to Messi. He gave his consent for the statue and they are also happy,” told ANIThe West Bengal minister had earlier stated that the massive structure was completed in a record time of just 40 days. “This is a very big statue, 70 feet in height. There is no other statue of Messi this big in the world. Messi is coming to Kolkata, and there are a lot of fans of Messi,” he had told ANI.Lionel Messi arrived in the City of Joy early on Saturday morning, triggering widespread excitement among football enthusiasts. Thousands of fans gathered at various locations, hoping to catch a glimpse of the global football superstar.The excitement across Kolkata highlights the state’s deep-rooted passion for football and the immense popularity Messi enjoys among Indian fans.This marks Lionel Messi’s first visit to India since 2011. On his previous trip, he played a friendly match at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, where Argentina defeated Venezuela 1-0. After 14 years, his return has sparked immense enthusiasm, with fans gearing up for a grand celebration to welcome the global icon.(With agency inputs)
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