Kolkata has once again underlined its deep-rooted football culture with the unveiling of a towering 70-foot iron statue of Argentine football legend Lionel Messi holding the FIFA World Cup trophy. The installation, believed to be among the tallest Messi statues in the world, has quickly become a magnet for fans, selfie-seekers and curious onlookers — while simultaneously igniting a sharp debate online about priorities, identity and sports development in India. Advertisement

German travel vlogger Alexander Welder shared an Instagram video expressing disbelief after visiting the landmark installation in the city. Standing before the massive structure, Welder remarked that the scene felt more like Argentina than India.

“I just landed in Kolkata, India, and it turns out Lionel Messi is her

See Full Page