A colossal 85-foot statue of Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has become an internet sensation, but for all the wrong reasons. The giant sculpture, crafted from 70 tons of steel and erected in the remote Patagonian town of Cutral Có, features a massive World Cup trophy positioned between Messi's legs, concealing his crotch and drawing sniggers from viewers worldwide.
Statue Details and Design
The statue, unveiled on June 26, 2026, depicts Messi raising one hand with a finger pointing to the sky in a goal celebration pose. However, the placement of the World Cup trophy—which Argentina won in Qatar in 2022—has been described as provocative and comical. Local sculptor Aldo Beroisa, 61, defended the work, stating, "He is Argentina's natural ambassador. For me it was very important, not only as an artist but as an Argentine."
Social Media Reactions
The internet quickly erupted with mockery. One commenter wrote, "If I were Messi, I would personally hire a hitman to take care of the architect of the statue." Another said, "The Dwyane Wade and Cristiano Ronaldo statue can rest now. Messi officially has the worst sports statue ever." A third added, "How does this go through rounds of approval and not one person stops and says: 'This 85ft statue of Lionel Messi looks like he's riding the World Cup trophy cowgirl'?"
Comparison to Other Infamous Sports Statues
This is not the first time a sports statue has faced ridicule. The Messi statue surpasses a 70-foot statue of him erected in Kolkata, India, in December 2025, which was taken down after swaying in the wind. In 2016, a bronze Messi statue in Buenos Aires had its head, arms, and body stolen by vandals. Other notorious examples include a 2017 bust of Cristiano Ronaldo at Madeira Airport, mocked for its squashed features, and a 2018 sculpture of Mohamed Salah that was compared to Art Garfunkel. A £102,000 statue of Southampton legend Ted Bates was removed in 2007 after a week due to poor likeness, and a £7,200 statue of Harry Kane sat in storage for five years before being placed in Walthamstow in 2024, where it was also criticized.
Impact and Legacy
Despite the mockery, the statue stands as a testament to Messi's iconic status in Argentina. The 85-foot height makes it the tallest statue honoring Messi to date. Local officials and the artist hope the attention will boost tourism in Cutral Có, though the online reaction has largely overshadowed the intended tribute.
