India is demonstrating significant admiration for football star Lionel Messi, extending beyond⁣ a recently unveiled statue. This homage reflects the widespread popularity of the former Barcelona and Paris St-Germain forward within the country.

Fan Experiences

⁢ Fans in india can visit the ‘Hola Messi’ fan zone, which features a life-sized replica⁢ of Messi ⁤seated on a throne. The zone also includes a display of his trophies and a detailed recreation of his Miami home, complete with mannequins representing Messi and his family on a balcony.
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“He (Lionel Messi) would be surprised to see the arrangements made for him,” said Shiladitya Banerjee, a⁣ Messi ⁤fan, expressing the depth of devotion. “He would be shocked to see how he is worshipped in Kolkata and across India. I am tearing up but these are⁣ happy tears.”
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Global Recognition

⁤ Messi, who has scored 787 goals in 963 club appearances as of December 11, 2023, was first honored with a bronze statue in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 2016.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has stated that the club is “working on”⁣ plans for a statue of Messi at the Nou Camp stadium.

⁤ In 2014, Cristiano Ronaldo,⁤ a long-time rival of Messi, unveiled a statue of himself at his personal museum in Funchal, Madeira.