Messi to unveil 21-metre statue of himself on India 'GOAT' tour / Photo: Dibyangshu SARKAR - AFP
-
Trump attack on Europe migration 'disaster' masks toughening policies
-
US plan sees Ukraine joining EU in 2027, official tells AFP
-
'Chilling effect': Israel reforms raise press freedom fears
-
Iran frees child bride sentenced to death over husband's killing: activists
-
No doubting Man City boss Guardiola's passion says Toure
-
Youthful La Rochelle name teen captain for Champions Cup match in South Africa
-
World stocks consolidate Fed-fuelled gains
-
British 'Aga saga' author Joanna Trollope dies aged 82
-
Man Utd sweat on Africa Cup of Nations trio
-
EU agrees three-euro small parcel tax to tackle China flood
-
Taylor Swift breaks down in Eras documentary over Southport attack
-
Maresca 'relaxed' about Chelsea's rough patch
-
France updates net-zero plan, with fossil fuel phaseout
-
Nowhere to pray as logs choke flood-hit Indonesian mosque
-
In Pakistan, 'Eternal Love' has no place on YouTube
-
England bowling great Anderson named as Lancashire captain
-
UK's King Charles to give personal TV message about cancer 'journey'
-
Fit-again Jesus can be Arsenal's number one striker, says Arteta
-
Spain's ruling Socialists face sex scandal fallout among women voters
-
EU 2035 combustion-engine ban review: what's at stake
-
Stocks rally in wake of Fed rate cut
-
Mohammed Ben Sulayem re-elected unopposed in contentious FIA election
-
Vonn claims sensational first ski World Cup win since 2018
-
French forces use tear gas to clear protesters protecting condemned cows
-
EU agrees recycled plastic targets for cars
-
UK health service hit by 'super flu' outbreak
-
Oscar-nominated #MeToo film finally screened in Japan
-
Off-field drama overshadowing Toulouse's Champions Cup tilt
-
Russian central bank says suing Euroclear over frozen assets
-
British porn star to be deported from Bali after small fine
-
Afghan IOC member Asghari hopes Taliban dialogue spark u-turn over women's rights
-
Liverpool boss Slot to hold talks with unhappy Salah
-
Congo refugees recount death and chaos as war reignites
-
Messi to unveil 21-metre statue of himself on India 'GOAT' tour
-
Trump 'pardons' jailed US election denier
-
British porn star fined, faces imminent Bali deportation
-
Spain opens doors to descendants of Franco-era exiles
-
Indonesia floods were 'extinction level' for rare orangutans
-
Thai teacher finds 'peace amidst chaos' painting bunker murals
-
Escapism or exaltation? 'Narco-culture' games raise concern in Mexico
-
US slaps sanctions on Maduro relatives as Venezuela war fears build
-
Japan bear victim's watch shows last movements
-
French indie title 'Clair Obscur' dominates Game Awards
-
South Korea exam chief quits over complaints of too-hard tests
-
Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai verdict set for Monday
-
Women's rights seen as under threat as Chile heads to polls
-
Falcons edge reeling Buccaneers 29-28 in NFL
-
Son of MH370 flight victim seeks answers after 11 years
-
Mane v Mbemba: An AFCON cameo to relish in Morocco
-
Aubameyang faces familiar foes as Marseille seek title revival
NYSE - LSE
| SCS | 0.12% | 16.14 | $ | |
| JRI | -0.15% | 13.7 | $ | |
| CMSC | -0.2% | 23.384 | $ | |
| CMSD | -0.43% | 23.3 | $ | |
| GSK | -0.3% | 48.735 | $ | |
| RIO | -2.3% | 75.015 | $ | |
| NGG | 0.24% | 74.87 | $ | |
| RBGPF | 0% | 81.17 | $ | |
| BCC | 0.85% | 76.915 | $ | |
| BTI | -3.25% | 56.53 | $ | |
| RYCEF | -0.68% | 14.64 | $ | |
| VOD | 0.52% | 12.605 | $ | |
| BCE | 1.37% | 23.725 | $ | |
| BP | -1.02% | 35.17 | $ | |
| RELX | -0.1% | 40.24 | $ | |
| AZN | -0.65% | 89.71 | $ |
Messi to unveil 21-metre statue of himself on India 'GOAT' tour
Lionel Messi will unveil a 21-metre (70-foot) statue of himself in India on Saturday as he embarks on a three-day tour of the country that has sparked a fan frenzy.
The iron sculpture in Kolkata, which shows Messi holding aloft the World Cup, is part of a so-called GOAT Tour that will take in four Indian cities and a possible meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The 38-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami superstar will unveil the monument virtually rather than in person for security reasons.
A "Hola Messi" fan zone has also been set up in Kolkata where on display is a life-sized replica of Messi sat on a throne.
The hall also recreates his Miami home, complete with mannequins of his family members.
Football fan Samir Nandy said it would be "a dream come true" to catch a glimpse of his idol.
"Legends are not made by success alone. It is his resilience that made me believe in him," Nandy, 64, said in Kolkata.
"The statue is a fitting tribute to him."
Monty Paul, the statue's main sculptor, told AFP the structure was built inside 40 days.
"It's a matter of pride to build the sculpture of Messi. It's the tallest statue I have made," he said.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner will also meet Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and former India cricket captain Saurav Ganguly during his whirlwind trip to Kolkata.
Ahead of his arrival, Messi said it was an honour to visit India and interact with the fans.
"India is a very special country and I have good memories from my time there 14 years ago -- the fans were fantastic," Messi said in an official statement.
"India is a passionate football nation and I look forward to meeting a new generation of fans while sharing the love I have for this beautiful game."
After Kolkata, where Messi will play a short friendly match, he will head to Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi.
In Hyderabad he will attend a concert in his honour and play another friendly.
He is reportedly scheduled to meet Modi in the capital.
Messi won his second consecutive Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player award this week after propelling Inter Miami to the MLS title and leading the league in goals.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker will spearhead Argentina's defence of the World Cup in June-July in North America.
A.Mahlangu--AMWN