Lionel Messi will virtually unveil a 21-metre (70-foot) statue of himself in India on Saturday as he begins a three-day tour of the country, sparking a fan frenzy.

The iron sculpture in Kolkata, depicting Messi holding the World Cup, is part of the GOAT Tour, covering four Indian cities with a potential meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The 38-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami star will unveil the monument virtually for security reasons, as per a report in AFP.

A “Hola Messi" fan zone in Kolkata features a life-sized replica of Messi seated on a throne and recreates his Miami home with mannequins of his family members.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will meet Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly during his whirlwind visit to Ko

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