Kolkata is bracing for a moment it has only dreamed about—Lionel Messi touching down in the City of Joy in the early hours of December 12. However, long before the football icon’s aircraft begins its descent, the city has already erupted into a full-blown cultural celebration, stitching together devotion, nostalgia, and sheer spectacle.

The most striking tribute stands in South Dum Dum, where Sree Bhumi Sporting Club has completed what it claims is the tallest Messi statue in the world—a 70-foot iron structure depicting the Argentine star holding the FIFA World Cup.

Crafted in just 40 days by Monty Paul’s team, the towering installation was scheduled for a public unveiling. But with security protocols tightening around Messi’s visit, the inauguration will now take place virtually from hi

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