Messi to unveil 21-metre statue of himself on India 'GOAT' tour / Photo: Dibyangshu SARKAR - AFP
-
Iran dismisses missile, nuclear claims after Trump alleges 'sinister ambitions'
-
Inside the Mexican resort that was the final hideout of 'El Mencho'
-
Somaliland pins hopes on critical mineral gold rush
-
Bejart Ballet's iconic Bolero ignites Istanbul
-
Sri Lanka arrests ex-spy chief over 2019 Easter bombings
-
South Korea birth rate jumps but still under key fertility threshold
-
Democrats bet on centrism in rebuttal to Trump speech
-
Australian police arrest two over alleged kidnapping, murder of grandfather
-
Redknapp's Gold Cup dream sparked by late grandmother
-
Trump tries to reset presidency in State of the Union speech
-
Harden hails 'special' Cavs after emphatic win over Knicks
-
Division, theater and one golden moment as Trump addresses Congress
-
Humble Japan ready to win hearts at Women's Asian Cup
-
New Zealand mayor swims to allay sewage contamination fears
-
Trump vows 'turnaround for the ages' in State of the Union
-
Marquez targets eighth MotoGP title as season opens in Thailand
-
Months after floods, Indonesian survivors frustrated by slow response
-
Tech firms lead Asian markets rally as Seoul, Tokyo hit records
-
Nepali migrant workers influence polls, but can't vote
-
Canadians are choosing when to die, often with a smile
-
Trump to promise 'turnaround for the ages' in State of the Union
-
Economy not Russia is big fear on Finland's closed frontier
-
Alexandria bids farewell to historic tram in latest urban upheaval
-
The veteran 'insider' shaping Iran's nuclear policy
-
'Jaws' harpoon gun and 'Star Wars' treasures lead LA film and TV auction
-
Tocvan Builds Momentum at Gran Pilar: Six Exploration Holes Drilled, Drone Mag Survey and Water Monitoring Wells for Pilot Completed
-
Brazil prosecutor urges politicians' conviction in murder of black councilwoman
-
Starved of fuel, Cubans scramble to make ends meet
-
Giant killers Bodo/Glimt continue remarkable rise with Inter triumph
-
Bodo/Glimt knock Inter out of Champions League as Newcastle, Atletico reach last 16
-
Australian Open chief Tiley steps down to take top US job
-
Crime capital no more: El Salvador tourism boosted by Bukele
-
FIFA boss 'very reassured' about World Cup in Mexico despite violence
-
15 states sue Trump administration over child vaccine policy
-
Rescuers search for missing after deluge kills 30 in Brazil
-
Newcastle complete cruise into Champions League last 16
-
Leverkusen through to Champions League last 16 after Olympiacos draw
-
Bodo/Glimt sink Inter to continue Champions League fairy tale
-
Tech shares rebound as markets weigh AI impacts
-
Puerto Vallarta: the Mexican paradise in flames over the killing of 'El Mencho'
-
Sorloth treble helps Atletico past Brugge into Champions League last 16
-
Louvre president hands in resignation to Macron: Elysee
-
Iran says deal 'within reach' ahead of US talks
-
Torrential rains leave 25 dead in Brazil, dozens missing
-
Northeast US faces power cuts and school closures after snowstorm
-
US abstains in UN vote voicing support for Ukraine
-
Lebanon fears Israeli strikes if Iran situation escalates
-
Trump seeks to strike back in crucial State of the Union
-
World-class Brook played 'the best innings of his life' - Afridi
-
US appeals WTO ruling in dispute by China over clean energy subsidies
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