A 26-meter-tall statue of Lionel Messi unveiled in Cutral Co, a city in Patagonia, became the largest monument representing the Argentine star in the world — and a social media hot topic everywhere.

The monument depicts a kneeling Messi holding the Argentine men’s national football team jersey with one hand and pointing to the sky with the other, as if thanking the heavens for his victories.

It is painted bright white, except for the striped sky-blue and white jersey and golden boots. Inside, the structure is made up of concrete and repurposed steel pipes used in the oil extraction industry, which is characteristic of that area of Neuquén province.

Between Messi’s legs stands a golden World Cup, representing the trophy Argentina won in 2022. The original plan was for Messi to be holding it up towards the sky, but the strong Patagonian winds did not allow it. The addition was highly commented on on social media due to its unusual final........

© Buenos Aires Herald